Paras, Sompal shine with bat to post 216 runs vs the Netherlands

Nepal’s lower order hard-hitting batsman Sompal Kami acknowledges the crowd after scoring half-century against Dutch. Courtesy: Raman Shiwakoti

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s skipper Paras Khadka and lower order batsman Sompal Kami hit flamboyant half-centuries to post a challenging 216-run all out with seven balls to spare against the Netherlands during second ODI at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen today.

Paras smashed 51 runs while Sompal scored a quick-fire 61 runs off just 46 balls with three maximum clean hits and five swashbuckling fours to register a decent total on board against the formidable opponent.

Sompal, trying to up-the-ante in dying overs, was rattled by leggie Rippon.

Nepal new opening pair of Gyanendra Malla and Subash Khakurel mustered 29 runs for the opening stand before Malla was caught by Barresi of Klassen delivery for 13 runs.

Khakurel slotted into the team failed to grab the opportunity with both hands as he failed cheaply for 19 runs in 33 balls with three fours.

Anil Sah trudged back to pavilion after scoring four runs, leaving Nepal teetering 47-3.

For a brief period, Paras Khadka and Dipendra Singh Airee steadied the ship with a 25 run partnership before Airee was run out for 19 runs.

Khadka single-handedly thwarted the hosts bowling attack at his will milking one and twos to tickle the scoreboard moving as other wickets tumbled at the other end. Khadka hammered two towering sixes and six fours to smash sparkling 51 runs off 69 balls before looping a catch to fine leg trying to swipe leggie Rippon.

Aarif Sheikh played a supporting role to Paras and Sompal as they took opponent’s attack in their stride. Sheikh scored a painstaking 16 runs in 46 balls.

Fed Klaassen was pick-of-the-bowler with 10-1-38-3. Spinners duo Rippon, Seelaar bagged two wickets each while Meekeren and Santer chipped in with a wicket each.

Earlier, Nepal had suffered 55 runs defeat to the hosts in debut ODI.