Aasif Sheikh hit his maiden century as Nepal defeated Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 52 runs in the first match of the final tri-series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 being held at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday.

With the win, Nepal have kept their hope alive to qualify for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

Riding on 110 runs by Sheikh, Nepal posted 298 runs target for the visitors. PNG ended their run chase scoring 245 runs losing all wickets in 47.1 overs.

Norman Vanua top-scored for PNG at 60 runs, hitting three four and four sixes, as Tony Ura and Assad Vala made 50 and 42 runs respectively.

Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane grabbed four wickets in his 10-over spell, giving away 37 runs. Dipendra Singh Airee bagged two wickets.

Losing the toss, Nepal was sent to bat first and openers Kushal Bhurtel and Sheikh built a 110-run partnership for the first wicket. Bhurtel was the first to go in 18.4 overs after scoring 45 runs off 56 balls. Kushal Malla came to the crease and was sent off for just two runs followed by Gyanendra Malla who was able to put just 11 runs on the scoreboard.

Skipper Rohit Paudel played a 30-run inning, while Bhim Sharki scored an impressive 44 runs off 38 deliveries. Aarif Sheikh added another 15 runs to Nepal’s scoreboard. The remaining batsmen failed to score in double digits.

For PNG, Semo Kamea took five Nepali wickets and was the most economical bowler. Riley Hekure claimed three Nepali scalps while Alei Nao bagged one wicket in their 10-over spell.