Kirtipur, Nepal: In a nail-biting finish, Nepal secured a dramatic six-wicket win over the Netherlands in the final league stage match of the tri-nation T20 series at the picturesque TU Cricket Ground.

Chasing a modest target of 121 runs, Nepal’s batting lineup showed resilience and determination. The captain, Rohit Kumar Paudel, played a crucial role in the chase with a composed 46 (34), hitting three boundaries and a six. He found strong support from Gulsan Jha (38) and Kushal Bhurtel (12). The match’s turning point was the significant partnership between Paudel and Jha, which added 86 runs for the third wicket and was instrumental in Nepal’s successful chase.

The Netherlands put up a spirited fight earlier, opting to bat first. Max O’Dowd (31) and Tim van der Gugten (24) were the main contributors to the score, while Rolof van der Marwe’s unbeaten 23 and skipper Scott Edwards’ 18 added some late momentum. Despite their efforts, they were restricted to 120 runs in 19.3 overs by Nepal’s formidable bowling attack, led by Pratish JC’s three-wicket haul, with Karan KC, Kushal Malla, and Dipendra Singh Airi also taking crucial wickets.

This victory marks Nepal’s continued dominance in the tournament, having previously secured wins against Namibia and the Netherlands. While the Dutch team tasted their first defeat, they remain strong contenders with four points from three matches.

With the league stage now over, the focus shifts to the highly anticipated match on Sunday between the Netherlands and Namibia. This match promises to be another thrilling encounter in this captivating series, with both teams eager to secure a win. Despite their recent defeat, the Dutch team remains a strong contender with four points from three matches, while Namibia will be looking to bounce back from their previous losses.