Nepal in semi final
Feb 7th, 2009 by Pratichya Dulal
Bhaktapur, February 7, NS report –
Rochak Bhatta, with figures of four for four in seven overs, earned his team a 28 runs victory over Hong Kong. The victory ensured Nepal’s place in the semi-final of the ACC U-17 Elite Cup, on Saturday. Chasing a modest target of 78 runs, Hong Kong looked poised for a win as they were 17 for two at lunch at the Army Ground, Bhaktapur.
Rochak Bhatta however had other plans. The leggi had the Hong Kong batsmen in sixes and sevens before the tourists caved in 28 runs short in the 32nd over.
Electing to bat first, Nepal were bundled out for 77 runs in 24th over. Avinash Karna sent the first two batsmen back to the pavilion. The third wicket for the visitors fell when Pradeep Airee ran captain Miten Khatri (3). Hong Kong were 29/3 at the time. Bhatta then wrested away the initiative from Hong Kong. Nizakat Khan with his 18 of 57 balls was the only batsman to show some resolve. Once he was trapped lbw by Bhatta, it was only a matter of time before Bhatta and Prithu Baskota wrapped up the innings. The last four batsmen were able to added only six runs to the total. “I had no idea I would play a crucial part in our win,” a jubilant Bhatta said after the match. “I simply did the basics right. The unevenness of the pitch helped my cause.”
