Nepal beat Afghans by 9 runs

SP Khakurel of Nepal hits a boundary on in Nepal's total of 141 as they beat Afghanistan by 9 runs in Thursdaty's match of the World T20 in Chittagong. Photo: Anurup Kanti Das

Nepal clinched a nine-runs victory over Afganistan in their third match of the World T20 qualifying round at Chiitagong today.

Afghans were off to an insipid start as they lost six wickets within 83 runs, before some late hitting from Asghar Stanikzai resurrected their chase of 141.

However, he failed to take the Afghans over the finishing line with Jitendra Mukhiya bowling extremely well in the death overs.

Earlier, SP Khakurel steered Nepal's 141-run  innings with his maiden half-century in T20s off 53 balls, followed by some late hitting by Subash Vesawkar at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Afghan bowlers maintained a sustained intesity throughout the innings, rarely allowing Nepal to break free.

Earlier, Afghanistan won the toss and decided to send Nepal to bat first.

TEAMS

Nepal

SP Khakurel, Sagar Pun, G Malla, P Khadka (c), S Vesawkar, B Bhandari, B Regmi, NB Budayair, SP Gauchan, Sompal Kami and JK Mukhiya

Afghanistan

Mohammad Shahzad, Nawroz Mangal, Asghar Stanikzai, Shafiqullah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Samiullah Shenwari, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran, Karim Sadiq and Mirwais Ashraf