Nepal vs Zimbabwe A, 1st Unofficial ODI - Review: Visitors triumph in a low-scoring affair to take early lead

Zimbabwe A got the better of Nepal by three wickets in the first Unofficial ODI that was played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on May 6. Both teams were evenly matched in the ongoing bilateral series prior to this contest as Nepal’s eight-wicket win in the final T20 ensured that the three-match series ended 1-1.

Even the rain played a spoilsport and also cancelled two games so far, but, this rescheduled match went on smoothly despite it being a low-scoring affair. While Nepal were reduced to a not-so intimidating total, their bowlers ensured that the visitors did not make merry in the run chase and made them fight hard in order to reach the finish line.

Innocent Kaia stars for Zimbabwe in a low-scoring thriller

The coin landed in favour of Zimbabwe skipper Tony Munyonga and he had no hesitation in bowling first. The decision was spot on as the hosts struggled to tackle the Zimbabwean bowlers. In form wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh who was their hero in the last game made just five runs before walking back to the pavilion.

Nepal’s top-order could not show any resistance barring opener Kushal Bhurtel who scored a 10-ball 19. The middle-order was soon exposed but a couple of them did ensure that the home side managed to post a somewhat respectable total on the board. Vital knocks from the middle-order duo of Sompal Kami (30) and Karan KC (25) meant that Nepal were bowled out for 136 in the 32nd over.

In reply, Innocent Kaia and Cephas Zhuwao decided to make light work of this run chase right from the word ‘go’ with a 39-run opening stand before the latter was dismissed for a 29-ball 32. The visitors  suffered a dramatic batting collapse soon after and looked down and out at 118/7. Nonetheless, Innocent held on firmly from one end and anchored the chase successfully. He remained unbeaten on a run-a-ball 48. Karan KC and skipper Sandeep Lamichhane were the picks of the bowlers for Nepal.