Yadav’s Five-Wicket Masterclass Secures Nepal’s First Victory in Top End T20 Series
The Nepali national cricket team produced a stunning all-around performance to register their first, and a much-needed, victory in the Top End T20 Series, emphatically defeating the Hobart Hurricanes by 66 runs on Tuesday. After three consecutive losses, Nepal’s campaign was revitalized by a collective batting effort and a sensational bowling spell from pacer Nandan Yadav, who single-handedly dismantled the opposition with a five-wicket haul.
The match, held in the challenging conditions of northern Australia, saw Nepali captain Rohit Paudel win the toss and make the crucial decision to bat first. His batsmen vindicated his choice, putting together a competitive total of 180 for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. It was a score built not on a single explosive innings, but on a series of valuable contributions from across the batting lineup, showcasing the team’s growing depth and resilience.
The innings began with a solid foundation laid by the top order. Kushal Bhurtel (27) and Aasif Sheikh (29) provided a steady start, navigating the early overs with a mix of caution and aggression. Following their departure, the experienced middle-order batsman Aarif Sheikh anchored the innings, emerging as the top-scorer with a well-crafted 33 runs. His composed knock was pivotal in ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking over during the crucial middle phase of the game. Bhim Sharki also chipped in with a vital 18 runs.
However, the real impetus to the innings came late, courtesy of an explosive cameo from Lokesh Bam. Walking in towards the end, Bam played a blistering, unbeaten knock of 25 runs from just 11 balls. His power-hitting, which included several boundaries, propelled Nepal from a respectable score to a formidable one, shifting the momentum firmly in their favor heading into the break. For the Hobart Hurricanes, the bowling attack found moments of success, with Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Raff Macmillan being the pick of the bowlers, each claiming two wickets.
Chasing a challenging target of 181, the Hobart Hurricanes’ innings never truly gained traction. They were put under immense pressure from the outset by a disciplined and aggressive Nepali bowling attack. While batsmen Bradley Hope (31), Charlie Wakim (28), and Jack Curtin (21) showed some resistance and attempted to build partnerships, they were unable to counter the sustained pressure applied by the Nepali bowlers. The regular fall of wickets crippled their chase, and they struggled to keep up with the escalating required run rate.
The hero of the day was undoubtedly the right-arm medium-pacer, Nandan Yadav. In a spell that will be long remembered, Yadav tore through the Hurricanes’ batting lineup. He was accurate, incisive, and relentless, finishing with the extraordinary figures of five wickets for just 17 runs in his three overs of bowling. His performance was a masterclass in T20 bowling, as he consistently hit the right lengths and exploited the weaknesses of the batsmen. His five-wicket haul not only won the match for his team but also earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Yadav’s efforts were brilliantly supported by the rest of the bowling unit. Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front, chipping in with a wicket, while the star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, all-rounder Kushal Bhurtel, and pacer Rijan Dhakal each contributed with one wicket apiece. This collective and disciplined bowling effort ensured that the Hurricanes were bundled out for just 114 runs in 16.1 overs, sealing a dominant 66-run victory for Nepal.
This win serves as a massive morale booster for the Nepali squad. Prior to this match, their tour had been a challenging one. They suffered a 42-run defeat to Australia’s Northern Territory Strike in their opening game, followed by a 32-run loss to Bangladesh ‘A’, and a 31-run loss to the Melbourne Stars Academy. The string of defeats had raised questions, but this comprehensive victory has demonstrated the team’s character and ability to bounce back. With this win, Nepal has finally added two points to its name in the series table.
The Top End T20 Series is a crucial platform for an Associate nation like Nepal, providing invaluable experience against high-quality opposition in foreign conditions. The opportunity to compete against teams from major cricket-playing nations like Australia and Bangladesh is vital for the team’s development as they prepare for major upcoming international tournaments. This victory against a strong side like the Hobart Hurricanes will inject a significant amount of confidence and self-belief into the squad as they head into the remainder of the series.
