Nepal vs United States – Nepal Sets 272-Run Target in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2

The Nepal national cricket team vs United States national cricket team clash in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 delivered high drama as Nepal posted 271 in 49.5 overs and set the USA a formidable target of 272.

Match Context: Nepal vs United States in League 2

In the 89th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, Nepal faced the USA at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. icc Nepal, after two losses (one to USA, one to UAE) entered this fixture determined.The match is part of the pathway for both Associate nations to qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The focus on Nepal vs United States is therefore about much more than one game.

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First Innings Breakdown – How Nepal Built 271

Nepal batted first and were eventually bowled out for 271 in 49.5 overs.
Here’s how the innings developed:

Opening struggles

• Both openers for Nepal – Aasif Sheikh and Aarif Sheikh – along with Gulshan Jha failed to reach double-figures.
• Early wickets put Nepal under pressure but the middle-order responded.

Middle-order resurgence

• Dipendra Singh Airee anchored the innings with a composed 75.
• Karan KC contributed a vital 49, Kushal Bhurtel made 47 and Bhim Sharki chipped in with 43.
• Captain Rohit Paudel added 36.

Late-innings and tail-end

• The final overs saw Nepal vulnerable as lower-order batters – including Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi – added minimal runs (1,4,1 respectively).
• Despite the collapse, the 271 total gives Nepal vs United States a fighting target to defend.

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Key Contributors: Dipendra Singh Airee & Co

Why Dipendra Singh Airee stood out

• His 75 provided the foundation and momentum at a time when Nepal were wobbling.
• When openers failed, Airee’s innings steadied the ship.
• In “Nepal vs United States”, his contribution will be remembered as the fulcrum of Nepal’s batting line-up.

Supporting cast

• Karan KC and Kushal Bhurtel’s near-50s added value and helped push the total past the 250 mark.
• Bhim Sharki’s 43 offered crucial depth.
• Rohit Paudel led from the front with a 36 and also made a tactical bowling change that we’ll review in the next section.

Bench & changes

• Nepal made one change for this fixture: Nandan Yadav came in replacing Sompal Kami.
• That brought fresh energy to the lower order, although the runs didn’t come.

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What the Target Means for USA

By being set a target of 272 runs by Nepal vs United States, the USA will face pressure in the chase.

USA’s position

• The USA had won both their earlier matches in the series, so momentum is on their side.
• A successful chase would consolidate their dominance in the tri-series and go a long way in the League 2 table.

Nepal’s outlook

• For Nepal, defending 272 means tightening up bowling and fielding execution.
• They’ll rely heavily on strike bowlers and situational awareness since the target is fairly high.

Key factors for the chase

• Building partnerships: USA must avoid early wickets collapsing under pressure.
• Negotiating the spin challenge: Nepal has spin options that could exploit Dubai conditions.
• Middle-over acceleration: The pressure will mount around overs 20-35; USA must deploy hitting options.
• Death overs execution: Whether USA can finish strongly may decide the match.

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Implications for the League 2 Standings

• This fixture in the “Nepal vs United States” context carries wider ramifications since the League 2 standings determine qualification pathways.
• A win for USA would further boost their campaign and take target of automatic spots closer.
• Nepal, already having lost previous matches, cannot afford another setback — the 272 target is more than just a number; it’s survival.
• The result will ripple into the next fixtures: Squad morale, net run-rate, and rest/wear of players.

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FAQ: Nepal vs United States Series Questions

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