Nepal lost to the Netherlands by 57 runs after another batting collapse in ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Chasing 226, Nepal were dismissed for 168 in 48 overs to suffer a fourth consecutive defeat.
The result leaves Nepal sixth with 24 points after 32 matches, including 19 defeats. The Netherlands moved into second place on net run rate with 38 points.
Nepal’s Batting Collapse Against the Netherlands
Kushal Bhurtel fell on the third ball before Nepal had scored. Bhim Sharki made 10, while Ishan Pandey departed for 16 with the total on 50.
Aasif Sheikh offered brief resistance with 38. Captain Rohit Paudel scored 26, but Dipendra Singh Airee managed only six.
Aarif Sheikh made eight and Gulshan Jha added 11. Karan KC scored 23, while Hemant Dhami remained unbeaten on 15.
Nepal lost wickets too regularly to build a serious chase. This was not bad luck or one poor dismissal. The top, middle and lower order all failed to produce a match-defining partnership.
Netherlands Recover After Karan KC’s Early Strikes
Nepal elected to bowl and restricted the Netherlands to 225 for nine. Karan KC removed Cedric de Lange with the first ball and finished with four wickets for 30 runs from 10 overs, including two maidens.
The Netherlands slipped to 30 for three before Scott Edwards and Noah Croes rebuilt the innings with a 115-run partnership. Edwards scored 57 and Croes made a team-high 70. Logan van Beek’s unbeaten 27 strengthened the final total.
Dipendra took two wickets, while Hemant Dhami and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed one each.
Nepal’s Real Problem Is Partnership Batting
Nepal changed two players, replacing Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami with Lalit Rajbanshi and Hemant Dhami. The changes did not fix the central problem.
The bowlers created an achievable target after the Netherlands recovered from an early collapse. Nepal’s batters then failed to protect wickets, rotate the strike and build partnerships.
Selection changes are an easy distraction. Nepal need a disciplined batting plan for European conditions, because repeated collapses now represent a pattern rather than an isolated failure.
Conclusion
Nepal’s 57-run defeat against the Netherlands was decided by batting failure. Karan KC delivered with the ball, but 168 was nowhere near enough in a chase of 226.
Nepal must improve opening stability and middle-order partnerships before the next Cricket World Cup League 2 fixture. Without that correction, changing the playing XI will achieve very little.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nepal lose against the Netherlands?
Nepal were bowled out for 168 while chasing 226 and lost by 57 runs.
Who scored the most runs for Nepal?
Aasif Sheikh top-scored for Nepal with 38 runs.
Who was Nepal’s best bowler?
Karan KC took four wickets for 30 runs in 10 overs.
How many consecutive matches has Nepal lost?
The defeat against the Netherlands was Nepal’s fourth consecutive loss.
Where are Nepal in the League 2 standings?
Nepal sit sixth with 24 points from 32 matches.