Nepal continued to build on their growing reputation in international cricket with a commanding 9-wicket win over the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. The match, played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, saw Nepal dominate from start to finish, showcasing their strength in both bowling and batting departments. This victory further solidifies Nepal’s position as a rising force in Associate cricket.
The day started perfectly for Nepal after they won the toss and elected to bowl first. Their bowlers responded brilliantly, reducing the Netherlands to 54 for 5 within the first 15 overs. Nepal’s spin department was particularly effective, with Kushal Bhurtel starring with a career-best 4-wicket haul. He bowled with discipline and guile, finishing with figures of 4 for 20 from seven overs. The consistent pressure applied by Nepal’s bowlers ensured the Netherlands never recovered from their early collapse.
Supporting Bhurtel in Nepal’s bowling attack was left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, who picked up two key wickets to break vital partnerships. Rohit Paudel and Sompal Kami also chipped in with one wicket each, keeping the pressure on the Dutch side throughout the innings. Despite a fighting 33 from Netherlands captain Scott Edwards and a gritty 27 from Bas de Leede, Nepal’s disciplined bowling effort bundled the visitors out for just 137 runs in 39 overs. It was a total that never looked threatening against the in-form Nepal batting lineup.
In response, Nepal’s chase was clinical and aggressive. Openers Aasif Sheikh and Anil Kumar Shah were in complete control as they dismantled the Dutch bowling attack. Shah led the charge with a blistering 57 not out off just 36 deliveries, hitting six boundaries and four sixes. Sheikh provided excellent support with a composed 54* off 45 balls. The two batters ensured that Nepal raced to their target in only 15.2 overs, wrapping up a thoroughly dominant performance.
The dominance of Nepal with both bat and ball in this match was a reflection of their improving consistency and confidence in the 50-over format. Nepal’s batting approach, particularly during chases, has become more structured and fearless, a quality that has evolved over the last few seasons. The top-order is firing consistently, and the bowling unit is showing maturity in executing plans under pressure.
This win against the Netherlands is more than just two points for Nepal in the CWCL2 standings. It is a strong statement of their progress and potential. Nepal’s recent run of form suggests that they are no longer just participating in international cricket but are actively competing and excelling. With several fixtures still to play, Nepal is in a strong position to finish in the upper tier of the league table.
As Nepal continues to grow and challenge established teams, performances like this are crucial for building belief within the squad and among their passionate fan base. The comprehensive nature of the victory against the Netherlands proves that Nepal is on the right track, and their ambitions of qualifying for major ICC tournaments are becoming increasingly realistic.