KATHMANDU, APR 03 - Hosts Nepal lost to Afghanistan by seven wickets in the final of the ACC T20 Cup 2013 , leaving the enthusistic home crowd disappointed at Tribhuvan University cricket ground in Kirtipur on Wednesday.
Losing the toss, Nepal was sent to bat first. Nepal had a shaky start when they lost opener Subash Khakurel for 10 in the second over. Airee followed suit in the fourth over scoring just 1. However, Skipper Paras Khadka held the innings together scoring another half-century. Khadka was well supported by Binod Bhandari, who scored a watchful 32, and Sharad Veswakar ended the innings with an explosive 20 runs in just 11 balls.
Khadka smashed two sixes and four boundaries for his 50 off 40 balls. Khadka was run out in the 18th over due to some miscommunication with his batting partner Veswakar just when he was looking dangerous with some fine strokes.
Gulbadin Naib took two wickets for the Afghan side while Shapoor Zadran and Hamza Hotak grabbed one each.
In reply, Afghanistan reached the target with seven wickets remaining and 13 balls to spare. Gulbadin Naib was the highest scorer with 43 runs while skipper Mohammad Nabi and Karim Sadiq scored 38 and 32 each. The Afghan side never looked in pressure as the batsmen collected runs comfortably.
Shakti Gauchan and Paras Khadka took a wicket apiece for Nepal.
Gulbadin Naib was adjudged man of the match while Nepali Captain Paras Khadka was named the man of the series.
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