KANDY: Nepal’s Aasif Sheikh and Sompal Kami showcased remarkable resilience as they helped set a competitive target of 231 runs against India in the fifth match of the Asia Cup 2023 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Making their debut in the Asia Cup, Nepal received an early stroke of luck as the Indian team dropped three catches within the first five overs, squandering the opportunity to get off to a dream start.
How good was Aasif Sheikh with the bat? 🫶💙#AsiaCup2023 #INDvNEP pic.twitter.com/gDUmxHklxH
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 4, 2023
Nepal’s opening duo, Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, capitalized on the fortunate start by amassing 65 runs on the scoreboard before Shardul Thakur’s breakthrough provided India with their first wicket.
Aasif Sheikh played a responsible innings, reaching a well-deserved fifty, but was eventually dismissed by Mohammad Siraj after contributing 58 runs to Nepal’s total.
Following Aasif’s departure, Nepal continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. However, it was Sompal Kami who stepped up to the plate, playing a crucial knock of 48 runs off 56 deliveries.
Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulshan Jha also played important cameo innings, scoring 29 and 23 runs, respectively.
Earlier in the day, India won the toss and opted to bowl first in their final group-stage match against Nepal. India made one change to their lineup, with Mohammad Shami replacing Jasprit Bumrah.
3 unsuccessful appeals in the very first over! 😟
Karan KC was at his very best against the Indian skipper! 💙#AsiaCup2023 #INDvNEP pic.twitter.com/bUoarn66Fz— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 4, 2023
India Squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj
Nepal Squad
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel (c), Sompal Kami, Gulsan Jha, Bhim Sharki, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi
With Nepal demonstrating their fighting spirit, the stage is set for an intriguing contest as India takes on the challenge of chasing down a target of 231 runs to secure victory in the Asia Cup 2023.
