By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Aug 15, 2025 14:07 PM • 43 views
Darwin, Australia — Nepal's national cricket team endured a tough start to their Top End T20 campaign on Friday, falling to a 42-run defeat against hosts Northern Territory Strikers at Marrara Cricket Ground.
Chasing a target of 178, Nepal batted out their 20 overs but could only muster 135 for eight wickets.
Kushal Malla top-scored for Nepal with a well-made 34, while Gulshan Kumar Jha contributed 26, captain Rohit Kumar Paudel scored 23, Dipendra Singh Airee added 19, and opener Aasif Sheikh made 11.
For the Strikers, Matt Hammond was the standout with the ball, claiming 3 wickets. Kane Richardson and Thomas Andrew took 2 apiece, while Hamish Martin chipped in with 1.
Earlier, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Northern Territory posted 177 for eight in their allotted overs. Darcy Short led from the front, smashing 51 off 34 balls with seven boundaries and a six. Thomas Andrew remained unbeaten on 33, while Jordan Silk (19), Conor Carroll (18), Caddy McCammon (12), and skipper Jake Weatherald (11) provided valuable contributions.
Nepal's bowling attack was spearheaded by Sandeep Lamichhane, who claimed 3 wickets. Shahab Alam struck twice, while Airee, Rupesh Singh, and Paudel each picked up one.
