Sarfraz helps PCB blow Nepali hopes

THE KATHMANDU POST REPORT

KATHMANDU, May 9 - Sarfraz Ahmed displayed a brilliant batting performance as visiting Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Academy registered an impressive 109-run victory over Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) XI at the TU Ground on Friday.

Ahmed, who captained Pakistan to U-19 World Cup victory in 2006, scored unbeaten 94 to rescue his team from 53/5 and take the total to 218/7 in 50 overs. CAN XI could only add 109 in 34.2 overs. Ahmed’s 100-ball knock was played with perfection as the 21-year-old showed a lot of maturity to rescue his team. PCB Academy had started well with openers adding 33 runs before CAN XI captain Binod Das ended Raheel Majeed’s innings. Majeed scored 22 off 26 balls before giving a catch to Paresh Lohani.

Binod forced Khurram Manzoor to edge one to wicket-keeper Mahesh Chhetri four overs later. Manzoor could not score. Paras Khadka bowled a brilliant first ball to undid stumps of captain Khalid Latif (17). Two more quick wickets - one close run-out off Asad Safiq and other a nicely held diving catch by Dipendra Chaudhary off Paras troubled PCB Academy.