Three defeats in a row for India, and their chances of finishing in the top two now look highly unlikely after this crushing 92-run defeat. First, they were knocked out of contention for the main quarterfinals, and now they find themselves on the brink of elimination from the Bowl round as well. Their fate now hinges on the results of other matches, and they must beat Sri Lanka in their final Bowl round fixture tomorrow — and that too by a big margin — to stand any chance of improving their net run rate and staying alive in the tournament. Time to wrap up this coverage, for now, it's me, Deepak Prakash, signing off on behalf of scorer Paras Yadav. CHEERS!
11:58 AM IST, 2:28 PM Local Time: India faced another humiliating defeat within the span of four hours, this time going down to Nepal by a massive 92 runs. The 92-run defeat to Nepal has severely dented India’s net run rate, and their chances of finishing in the top two of the Bowl round now look slim.
Earlier, after opting to bat, Nepal’s top order unleashed absolute carnage, racking up a colossal 137/0 in their six-over quota. The opening pair of Rashid Khan (55 off 17) and Sundeep Jora (47 off 12)* tore into the Indian attack, adding a blazing 104 runs in just 29 balls to set the tone for a massive total. After Rashid retired following his whirlwind fifty, Lokesh Bam (31 off 7)* carried on the assault, ensuring Nepal maintained their stunning momentum till the end. The trio combined to smash 15 sixes and 9 fours, leaving India’s bowlers wicketless and utterly helpless in the face of relentless hitting. Chasing Nepal’s imposing total of 137/0 in a six-over contest, India’s innings ended in disappointment as they were folded for 45 runs, losing all 6 wickets in just 3 overs. Indian batters came out swinging but crumbled under pressure, collapsing like nine pins. Only Bharath Chipli and Priyank Panchal managed to reach double figures, as Nepal wrapped up a comprehensive 92-run victory. Rashid Khan starred with the ball for Nepal, claiming 3 wickets, while Basir Ahamad and Rupesh Singh chipped in with two and one wicket, respectively.
W GONE! That’s it! India have been skittled out for just 45 runs, and Nepal clinch a thumping 92-run victory. It’s been complete dominance from Nepal, handing India a humiliating defeat — their third consecutive loss in the tournament. Touch fuller and outside off. Nadeem swings hard and gets the thick outside edge to keeper, who takes it safely.
2.5 R Khan to S Nadeem
6 SIX RUNS! Fuller and on the stumps. Nadeem whacks it down the ground for a biggie.
2.4 R Khan to S Nadeem
1 In the air......safe. Fuller and outside off. Nadeem swings and mistimes it high in the air. Rashid tries to run back and complete the catch but fails to do so.