Rahul performance is his best international figure at any level surpassing his 7-wicket haul against USA in the final of the World Cricket League Division 5 in Kathmandu in 2008. It’s also best performance for Nepal as the age-group level bettering Raj Shrestha’s 7/16 against Qatar in ACC U-17 Cup in 2004.
Thailand began cautiously against Nepal, with a plan of not losing wickets even though runs were not coming and managed to reach 43/1 in 10 overs. But once spinners began bowling, it was a different tale and Rahul completely dominated the proceedings.
Bhuwan Karki took a wicket while the first wicket was down as run-out. For Thailand, opener Witsanukorn Thapthimthai scored 17, Daniel Leach 13 and Ishan Karla 10.
Nepal has now topped Group B and will play runners-up of Group A. Group A is wide open with Qatar confirming a quarterfinal spot. Any of five teams of the group can finish runners-up depending upon the equation of the matches to be played on February 6.
Earlier, Nepal rode on half-century by birthday-boy Prithu Baskota and classy knock by No 10 Bhuwan Karki to reach a formidable total.
Prithu, who came at 30/2 with both openers back to pavilion, scored 64 off just 62 balls with six fours and two sixes. He reached the landmark of half-century in 52 balls. He ran himself out.
Quite a few batsmen did get the start but could not convert them into big score. Sagar was out scoring 22 off 48. Rajesh Pulami (17), Pradeep Airee (27 off 14 balls) and Rahul BK (19) too got some runs.
