By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Aug 19, 2025 15:25 PM • 119 views
Darwin, Australia – Nepal's national cricket team finally got off the mark in the ongoing Top End T20 Series, securing their first win with a comfortable 66-run triumph over Hobart Hurricanes Academy on Tuesday.
After three straight defeats earlier in the tournament, the Rhinos bounced back in style at Kazalys Arena, Palmerston, to register two crucial points from four matches.
Batting first after winning the toss, Nepal posted a competitive total of 180 for 7 in 20 overs. Arif Sheikh top-scored with 35, supported by Asif Sheikh's 29, Kushal Bhurtel's 27, Lokesh Bam's unbeaten 25, and Bhim Sharki's 18. Hobart's bowling unit was led by Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Raf Macmillan with two wickets apiece, while Marcus Bains, Gabe Bell, and Bradley Hope chipped in with one each.
In reply, Hobart Hurricanes Academy faltered under scoreboard pressure, bundled out for 144 in 16.1 overs. Bradley Hope (31), Charlie Wakim (28), Jack Curtin (21*), and Tim Ward (13) tried to resist but could not build partnerships long enough to chase down the target.
The star of the evening was young seamer Nandan Yadav, who produced a match-winning spell of 5 wickets for 17 runs in just 3 overs. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel, Sandeep Lamichhane, Rijhan Dhakal, and Kushal Bhurtel each picked up a wicket to seal the win.
Before this result, Nepal had suffered defeats to Northern Territory Strikers (by 42 runs), Bangladesh' A' (by 32 runs), and Melbourne Stars Academy (by 31 runs). The victory against Hobart not only lifted morale but also kept Nepal in contention as the tournament progressed.
