A disciplined Nepali bowling shaped up the victory by restricting their much illustrious opponents for a meagre 158 runs in 49.5 overs. Nepal chased down the total for the loss of eight wickets with three balls to spare.

Former Nepal international cricketer Raju Basnyat termed the victory as “the biggest ever” in the history of Nepali cricket. “We have won against Test-playing nations at age-group events, stunned Afghanistan in the Twenty20 World Cup. But considering the might of the Netherlands it is a massive victory,” said the former international spinner. It was the second meeting the between the sides since the Dutchmen defeated Nepal by seven wickets during a 2015 World Cup Qualifiers playoff for seventh place in New Zealand last year. The victory put Nepal in third place, equal on two points with the Netherlands, but the latter lead by virtue of a superior run-rate. Namibia lead the table on four points from two matches. Top two teams from the competition qualify for Division 1 that opens the door to Inter-Continental Cup and World Championship League—ICC’s premium tournaments for non-Test playing countries.

Nepal, who suffered a two-run loss against Uganda in a similar run chase on Saturday, held their nerves to secure the famous victory despite losing Naresh Budhayer (1) and vice-captain Gyanendra Malla (0) early on.

Binod Bhandari lifted the Nepali side with some lusty hittings to rekindle hopes from the precarious position of 35-3. Bhandari slammed three sixes and a four in his 30-ball cameo, while skipper Paras Khadka (19) and opener Subhash Khakurel (15) also chipped in valuable runs to the total.

No 9 batsman Sompal Kami brought realistic hope of an upset when he raced to 28-ball 24 with Sharad Vesawkar remaining watchful at the other end. Kami lost his wicket chasing for quick runs but Vesawakar (24) ensured his team cross the finish line and, rightly so, stole the winning single in the final over.

Earlier, the Netherlands were reeling at 54-5 by the 22nd over thanks to a tight Nepali bowling. The Dutch team, staring at a much lower total at one stage, were rescued by 23-year old rookie Michael Rippon and opener Stephanus Myburgh. Rippon went on to score 52 and Myburgh made 36 to help the Netherlands to a fighting total. Kami, Khadka, Basanta Regmi and Shakti Gauchan held their line and length, each claiming two wickets apiece. Nepal will next play Canada in the six-team competition on Tuesday.

Regmi achieves 100-wicket feat

Left-arm spinner Basanta Regmi became the first cricketer to complete a 100-wicket milestone in the ICC World Cricket League (WCL) on Sunday when he took two wickets in Nepal’s win over the Netherlands.

Regmi had also claimed two wickets in Nepal’s two-run defeat against Uganda on Saturday. Regmi reached the feat in 48 matches.Afghanistan’s Hamid Hasan is second on the list of all-time WCL wicket-takers at 79 from 42 matches.