Nepal Crush USA by Nine Wickets as Kushal Bhurtel Smashes Match-Winning Century

Nepal registered a commanding nine-wicket victory over the United States in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 on Saturday, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century from opener Kushal Bhurtel.Playing at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal comfortably chased down the target of 196 runs, reaching 199 for 1 in just 36.4 overs.

Bhurtel delivered a dominant batting performance, remaining unbeaten on 120 runs off 118 balls. His innings included 13 boundaries and four sixes, anchoring Nepal’s chase from start to finish. Opening partner Aasif Sheikh also played a crucial role with a steady 58 runs off 72 deliveries, helping Nepal build a strong opening partnership. Ishan Pandey later added an unbeaten 20 runs from 30 balls to guide the team to victory.

For the United States, Mohammad Mohsin picked up the only wicket of the innings. Earlier in the match, the USA won the toss and elected to bat first but struggled against Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 195 runs in 43.3 overs.

Nepal’s bowlers maintained steady pressure throughout the innings, restricting the American batting lineup from building major partnerships and keeping the target within comfortable reach. The convincing victory strengthens Nepal’s campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 and highlights the growing confidence of the national side in the international one-day format. Kushal Bhurtel’s outstanding century was widely praised as one of the finest innings of the tournament so far, further cementing his importance in Nepal’s batting lineup.