Kathmandu: Nepal secured a victorious start in the One Day International (ODI) Bilateral Series, clinching a seven-run win against Canada in a thrilling match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
Winning the toss, Nepal opted to bat first, posting a total of 225 runs, losing all ten wickets in the stipulated 50 overs. In response, Canada managed to score 217 runs, succumbing to all-out in 47.5 overs.
Opener Kushal Bhurtel played a pivotal role with a solid contribution of 62 runs, while Bhim Sarki added a valuable 17 runs to the team’s total. Additional noteworthy performances came from Kushal Malla (20 runs), Aasif Sheikh, and captain Rohit Poudel (both scoring eight runs each). Aarif Sheikh, Pawan Saraf, and Sompal Kami also made significant contributions with 38, 15, and 27 runs, respectively.
On the bowling front, Uday Bhagwan claimed three wickets, supported by Saad Bin Zafar and IS Shoi, who secured two wickets each for Canada.
With this triumph, Nepal takes the lead in the ODI series, with the 2nd ODI scheduled for February 10 and the 3rd ODI for February 12.