Australia Beaten By Nepal to End Blind World Cup Campaign

Nepal has come on the headlines for their prestigious eight-wicket victory against Australia in the concluding match of the ODI Blind World Cup at the MCC Cricket Ground located in Ajman, UAE on January 16.  Australia won the toss and decided to go with batting.  Unexpectedly, they ended up with a total of 296 runs on 36.2 overs before Nepal reached 297-2 with 22 balls to standby on a shining century from Padam Badela.

Badela showcased his dynamic performance, remained unbeaten on 125 runs, and struck 14 fours in his 76-ball innings. Badri Chaulagain and Badela shared 137 together for their unbroken partnership on the third wicket. Chaulagain also remained unbeaten at a total of 35 runs. Ramesh Baniya was the opener of the game and he scored 47 runs though Khimananda Gaire, his partner has been run out for 17 runs. Naresh Tharu came on the third and went back after a total of 36 runs. Previously, Australia had begun a blazing start scoring 92 in 10 overs ahead of the dynamic performance of Nepal.

Durga Dutta Poudel initiated to make the opening breakthrough and Nepali team affected five run outs triggering fall down in Australian innings. Stephen Nery had made a total of 63 ahead of being run out by Ramesh Baniya. On the other hand, Matt Cameron was bowled by Vice-captain Bikram Bahadur Rana with a score of 62 runs. Poudel was the spark of the Nepali bowlers who took three wickets. Bharat Thapa and Bikram Bahadur Rana ended up taking one wicket each. Centurion Badela achieved the crown to be the man of the match and received 500AED as a reward.