Nepal’s search for a win in the Top End T20 Series goes on after they suffered a third straight defeat in Australia’s Northern Territory. On Monday in Darwin, the national side went down to Melbourne Stars Academy by 31 runs.
Nepal Struggle in the Chase
Set 176 for victory, Nepal managed 144 for 7 in their 20 overs. Opener Kushal Bhurtel made a brisk 25 off 13 balls with four boundaries but fell early. Bhim Sharki followed soon after for just 1 run. Skipper Rohit Paudel and opener Aasif Sheikh then rebuilt the innings with an 87-run partnership for the third wicket.
Paudel made 33 from 31 deliveries, while Sheikh struck 53 from 49 balls with three fours and a six before being run out in the 17th over. Once that stand was broken, Nepal’s middle and lower order — including Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla — failed to keep the chase alive.
Melbourne Build Competitive Total
Earlier, Melbourne Stars Academy won the toss and chose to bat, putting up 175 for 7. Thomas Rogers scored 65 and Blake MacDonald added 74 to lead their innings. For Nepal, leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was the standout bowler, finishing with 3 for 26 from his four overs. Sompal Kami and Shahab Alam claimed a wicket apiece.
Eyes on World Cup Qualifiers
Nepal had already lost to Northern Territory Strikers and Bangladesh ‘A’ in their opening matches. They will next take on Melbourne Renegades Academy on Wednesday before facing Pakistan Shaheens on Friday.
The series is part of Nepal’s build-up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman this October. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has also lined up further practice games in Australia, including matches against Cricket ACT on August 26 and South Australia on August 28, followed by a one-day fixture on August 30.
After the Australian tour, Nepal will head to the UAE in September for a three-match T20I series against the West Indies. A total of nine teams will contest the Asia–East Asia Pacific Qualifier, with the top three earning places at next year’s T20 World Cup in India.
