Kathmandu:- Despite young batsman Rohit Kumar Poudel's century, Nepal lost to Papua New Guinea by 6 runs.
Following Papua New Guinea's record of 293 runs in the first ODI at the Kirtipur-based TRI ground on Friday, Nepal managed to score only 286 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.
This is the highest number of runs scored by Nepal in ODIs.
In the last over, Nepal needed 10 runs to win with 2 wickets left. Sompal Kami and Kamal Singh Airy were in the batting.
In which Nepal managed to score three runs. Both Sompal and Kamal remained unbeaten on 18-18.
Rohit Kumar Poudel's century proved to be important for Nepal. He added 126 runs. This score is the highest individual score made by a Nepali batsman in ODIs.
Playing 107 balls, Rohit hit 7 fours and 4 sixes.
Rohit became the second player to score a century in ODIs for Nepal. Earlier, Paras Khadka had scored 115 runs against UAE in 2019 and set a record of first century.
Rohit also completed 500 ODI runs in the game. He also became the first player to complete 500 runs for Nepal.
Rohit shared a record 104 runs for the fifth wicket with Arif Sheikh. Arif contributed 34 runs.
Opener Kushal Bhurtel added 32 runs while another opener Anil Sah was dismissed for six runs. Dev Khanal, a young batsman who made his debut in the national team, was dismissed for a wicket.
Dipendra Singh Airy added 15 runs while Bhim Sarki was dismissed for 17 and Pawan Sarraf for 7.
Earlier, after Nepal won the toss and elected to bowl, Papua New Guinea added 292 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.
Charles Amini contributed 77 runs for Papua New Guinea. Before being bowled by Sompal Kami, he struck six fours and one six off 103 balls.
Similarly, captain Asad Bhala also struck a half century. He added 60 runs in 55 balls with the help of 11 fours.
Earlier, opener Tony Ura contributed 38 runs. Another opener Hiri Hiri was out for 4 runs.
Sese Bau was out for zero while Riley Hekure was bowled by Pawan Sarraf for 31 runs. Similarly, Norman Vanua contributed 47 runs. He struck four fours and three sixes in 28 balls.
In bowling, Sompal Kami, Kamal Singh Airy and Dipendra Singh Airy took 2-2 wickets each. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Pawan Sarraf took 1-1 wickets.
Nepal will play its second match against Papua New Guinea on Saturday. After a day's rest, there will be a T20 series between Nepal, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.