India v Nepal cricket matche highlight

In a thunderous display of cricket prowess, India bested Nepal by a clear 10 wickets on a rain-soaked field at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Continuous showers throughout the day led to a match shortened to a mere 23 overs, yet, India’s opening pair, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, exceeded expectations, securing a triumphant chase of the revised target of 145 runs before the 20th over.

Despite inclement weather, both Sharma and Gill turned in memorable performances. Sharma demonstrated his experience and skill with a vigorous 74 runs off 59 balls, peppering his exhibition with six fours and five sixes. Meanwhile, the young Gill, highlighting his potential as a future mainstay of Indian cricket, also played an impressive innings, scoring 67 off 62 balls, which included nine boundaries.

Tonight’s defeat signalled an end to Nepal’s journey in the tournament, making it a bitter-sweet ending for the debut team. Despite the loss, the landlocked nation’s performance didn’t go unnoticed, especially in the first innings where Aasif Sheikh and Sompal Kami constructed a competitive total of 231 runs against India.

Nepal had a fortunate beginning to the match as India missed three chances to catch in the initial five overs, which allowed the Nepalese side to stabilise. The opening pair of Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh constructed a solid 65 runs before India’s Shardul Thakur gave the team its first breakthrough.

Aasif’s responsible 58-run knock was particularly noteworthy, but his dismissal, claimed by Mohammad Siraj, led to a series of wicket losses for Nepal. Kami emerged as a beacon of resilience for his team, contributing a significant 48 runs off 56 balls, enabling the team to reach a considerable total. Important contributions also came from Dipendra Singh Aree and Gulshan Jha, who scored 29 and 23 runs respectively.

India’s previous match against Pakistan was cancelled due to rain, with neither team playing a single ball, leading to shared points. Nonetheless, yesterday 's triumph against Nepal gives India an upper hand in advancing to the Super Four stage of the tournament, hence, keeping the hopes of their fans alive and soaring.