In the series opener, Nepal's spin bowlers cruised to a thrilling win over Canada

The Nepal cricket team won a thrilling match against Canada in the first match of the Nepal-Canada bilateral series. Nepal secured a seven-run victory after a sensational turnaround at the TU Cricket Ground to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Despite Canada's strong start, they were ultimately bowled out for 217 runs in 47.5 overs while chasing a target of 225 runs. Nepalese spinners worked their magic to help the home team secure a remarkable victory.

Despite Canada appearing to be in a comfortable position at 114/3 following a 79-run partnership between Pargat Singh and Nicholas Kirton, the Nepalese team remained confident. Pargat was dismissed for 50 runs by Rohit Paudel, ending the partnership. Harsh Thaker scored 32 runs while Kirton added 60 runs with him. Nicholas Kirton was dismissed by Pawan Sarraf after scoring 68 runs. Nepal sealed the victory by taking two wickets each by Rohit Paudel and Lalit Rajbanshi, despite Canada having plenty of overs left and needing 30 runs with four wickets in hand. The Nepalese bowlers demonstrated their prowess by taking the last seven wickets for just 43 runs, reducing the opposition from 174/3 to 217 all-out.

Rohit Paudel was the standout performer, taking four wickets (8.5-2-22-4) and earning the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Lalit Rajbanshi also made a significant contribution with two wickets, while debutant Rijan Dhakal, Sompal Kami, Kushal Malla, and Pawan Sarraf each took one wicket.The 10th and 12th of February will see the second and third matches of the series.

The Nepalese team was limited to a score of 224 runs in the first innings at TU Cricket Ground. Despite losing their final wicket on the last ball of the inning, Nepal managed to score 224 runs after choosing to bat first. The opening pair made a solid start, adding 48 runs before Aasif Sheikh (8) was dismissed in the 10th over, followed by Rohit Paudel (8) a few overs later.

Kushal Bhurtel reached his half-century off just 44 balls and continued to dominate the innings, scoring an impressive 62 runs off 58 balls. He showcased his skill by hitting nine fours and one six before departing. 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.