March 13: Nepal registered a thrilling nine-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in a match under the tri-series of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League-2 at the Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground Monday. 

Nepal achieved the paltry 96-run target set by Papua New Guinea in 7.4 overs at the loss of one wicket. For Nepal, batsmen Kushal Bhurtel and Aashif Shekh played in style. Their 51-run partnership contributed a lot. 

Shekh remained unbeaten on 53 off 21 balls including three sixes and eight boundaries and Bhurtel hit 33 runs off 14 balls with two sixes and four fours. Similarly, Kushal Malla remained unbeaten on 12 off 13 balls with one six and one four.

 For Papua New Guinea, Chad Soper bagged one wicket. Invited to bat first by losing the toss, Papua New Guinea made a meagre 95 runs in 32 overs. For the team, Assad Vala made 20 runs, Sese Bau 18, Charles Amini 16 and Hiri Hiri 14.

For Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane shined in the bowling claiming five Papua New Guinea wickets single-handedly. He conceded only 25 runs off 60 balls. He was announced the player of the match. 

Similarly, Lalit Narayan Rajbamshi and Kushal Malla took two wickets each, and Sompal Kami one. Nepal is facing the United Arab Emirates Thursday.