NEPAL v BAHRAIN
Bahrain’s fast-bowlers against Nepal’s straight-batters. A terrific match-up. Hoping to see of the threat of the bustling David Mathias in particular, who had taken 20 wickets in the games before this. Nepal couldn’t have asked for a better start to their Cup semi-final against Bahrain as opener Sagar Pun (48) played a great innings along with Pradeep Airee, who smashed an unbeaten 50 off 57 balls, as Nepal batted a full 60 overs putting up a score of 169 at the loss of 9 wickets. It was steady accumulation all the way as eschew risk, especially against the dangerous David Mathias, Nepal were content to occupy the crease for as long as possible.
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Bahrain never really got off the mark as, David Mathias (41), single-handedly carried the team. Batting until the end, Mathais picked the gaps and in the 46th over Bahrain were forced to declare at a weak 65 for 8.
Again with crease-occupation at the forefront of their minds, Nepal’s second innings saw Nepal them bat for 75 overs and score 200. Nepal never really gave Bahrain any sniff of a chance of victory. Surendra Chand (54) and Bivek Dali (80*) piled on the runs. Play was ended at 5pm with 8 overs being bowled in the last hour of play with mutual consent of both captains.
The match resulted in a draw but saw Nepal advance to the finals on points.
Nepal will be looking to win the tournament for the second year in succession when they go up against a highly motivated UAE side in the Final at Kinrara tomorrow.
Bahrain v Nepal at Club Aman
MATCH DRAWN; NEPAL WIN ON POINTS
Nepal won the toss and elected to bat
Nepal: 169 for 9 in 60 overs (S. Pun 48, P. Airee 50; S. Shaikh 5-34) and 200 for 7 in 75 overs (S. Chand 54, B. Dali* 80)
Bahrain: 65 for 8 in 46 overs decl. (D. Mathias 41)
Man of the match: Pradeep Airee (Nepal)
Filed June 6 2006
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