In a heart-stopping encounter at Buffalo Park, East London, the Nepal U-19 cricket team clinched a dramatic victory over Afghanistan, marking their first win of the 2024 U-19 World Cup. The match, held on Friday, January 26, unfolded as a tense battle between two determined sides.
âCardiac Kids’ Moniker
Known for their resilience and knack for dramatic victories, Nepal’s U-19 team has earned the moniker ‘Cardiac Kids’. This title reflects their uncanny ability to triumph against the odds and consistently provide nail-biting moments for cricket fans worldwide.
According to the team’s official website, “Cardiac Kids Nepal” symbolizes the team’s penchant for thrilling comebacks and their never-say-die attitude on the field.
Thrilling Encounter
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 43/6 after 11.3 overs. However, resilient batting performances from Naseer Khan Maroofkhil (31 off 83), Allah Ghazanfar (37 off 21), and Faridoon Dawoodzai (29 off 65) propelled Afghanistan’s total to 145. Nepal’s Aakash Chand shone with the ball, claiming an impressive 5/34 in eight overs.
In their chase, Nepal encountered early wobbles, reaching 24/3 after 8.1 overs. However, captain Dev Khanal displayed remarkable composure, notching a crucial half-century (58 off 89). Supported by Dipak Bohara (27 off 42), Khanal guided Nepal towards the target, leaving them just six runs away from victory with two wickets in hand. Subash Bhandari sealed the win with a boundary, securing Nepal’s thrilling one-wicket triumph.
With this victory, Nepal’s U-19 team gains momentum in the tournament, showcasing their competitive spirit and determination. As they continue their campaign, fans can expect more exhilarating performances from the ‘Cardiac Kids’ as they strive for further success on the international stage.
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