Death Bowling Remains Concern as Nepal Suffers 106-run Defeat

High flying Nepal, after the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup qualification, suffered 106-run defeat against the United States in the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Dubai on Sunday.

Chasing a stiff target of 263 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Nepal was bowled out for 156 in 39.1 overs.

Left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh, who was part of Sudurpaschim Royals in the inaugural NPL, took 6 wickets for 27 in 8.1 overs to dismantle Nepal.

For Nepal, Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored with 40 runs, while Aasif Sheikh contributed 37, Bhim Sharki added 29, and Arif Sheikh made 20.

Earlier, after being sent in to bat, USA posted 262 for six in the allotted 50 overs.

Opener Smit Patel led the innings with a composed 75 while Milind Kumar remained unbeaten on 70 from 50 balls.

Nepal’s death bowling was once again exposed as it conceded 91 runs in the last 10 overs of the innings taking just one wicket.

For Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane claimed two wickets, while Sompal Kami, Aarif Sheikh, and Dipendra Singh Airee took one each.

Nepal will next face the UAE on Wednesday before meeting the USA again on Saturday.