Canada bowled out Nepal for 224 in the first ODI of the three-match bilateral series.
Nepal batted first at TU Cricket Ground and managed to score 224 runs before losing their last wicket on the final ball of the inning. The opening duo scored 48 runs before Aasif Sheikh (8) was dismissed in the 10th over, followed by Rohit Paudel (8) a few overs later.
Kushal Bhurtel confidently completed his half-century in just 44 balls, eventually departing for a well-played 58-ball 62, which included nine fours and one six. Despite the dismissals of Bhurtel, Bhim Sharki, and Kushal Malla for 17 and 20 runs respectively, Nepal was able to put up an average score. Aarif Sheikh made a valuable contribution of 38 runs, while Pawan Sarraf scored 15 runs. Nepal's Sompal Kami scored an impressive 27 runs off 23 balls, including two sixes. Despite a slow start, Nepal managed to score 49 runs in the last ten overs.
Canada's Uday Bhagwan proved to be a formidable bowler, taking 3 wickets for 40 runs in 8 overs. Overall, a strong performance from both teams, but Nepal's standout players proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Ishwarjot Sohi and skipper Saad bin Zafar also made significant contributions, taking two wickets each, while Shahid Ahmadzai and Harsh Thaker took one each.
Notably, Surya Tamang and Rijan Dhakal made their ODI debut for Nepal in this match.