Cricket Kitchen

Poor Batting Costs Nepal in 8-Wickets Defeat to Namibia

July 22, 2026

Nepal suffered an 8-wicket defeat against Namibia in the 116th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, played on Tuesday at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd in Utrecht. Chasing a modest target of 158, Namibia comfortably reached 159/2 in 37.4 overs with 74 balls to spare.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Nepal were bowled out for 157 in 46.5 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 31 runs off 60 balls. Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 30 runs off 51 balls, including two fours, while Gulsan Jha scored 20 runs from 38 balls. Karan KC added 18 runs off 15 deliveries, hitting one four and one six.

Earlier, Aasif Sheikh made 16 runs off 41 balls, Ishan Pandey scored 8 off 31 balls, and Kushal Bhurtel managed 2 runs, while Aarif Sheikh failed to open his account. Similarly, Sompal Kami scored 15 runs off 30 balls, Nandan Yadav added 1 run, and Sandeep Lamichhane remained unbeaten on 1.

Nepal never looked settled with the bat from the very beginning. Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed in the first over, and Nepal slipped to 22/2 in 8.5 overs. By the end of 30.3 overs, Nepal had been reduced to 93/5. They continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and failed to post a competitive total.

For Namibia, JJ Smit produced a brilliant bowling performance, claiming 6 wickets for 27 runs in 9.5 overs. Jack Brassell and Bernard Scholtz picked up two wickets each.

In reply, Namibia made a composed start to the chase. Michael van Lingen scored 51 runs off 79 balls with four boundaries, while Jan Frylinck remained unbeaten on 77 from 89 balls, including eight fours and one six. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton stayed unbeaten on 17 off 39 balls as Namibia reached the target in 37.4 overs, losing just two wickets.

For Nepal, Rohit Paudel and Nandan Yadav claimed one wicket each, while the other bowlers went wicketless.

For his outstanding performance in the match, JJ Smit of Namibia was named the Player of the Match. With this victory, Namibia successfully earned two crucial points.