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The Nepal vs USA ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 clash at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday was a masterclass in home dominance and individual brilliance. After restricting the visitors to a modest 195, the hosts chased down the target with ruthless efficiency, sealing a commanding nine-wicket victory .
For anyone following at Sportsphere24 Updates, this was a performance that showcased the very best of Nepal cricket. Kushal Bhurtel was the architect of the chase, smashing an unbeaten 120 off 118 balls—his second ODI century and a career-best knock—while Dipendra Singh Airee tore through the USA middle order with a four-wicket haul .
Final Score: Nepal 199/1 (36.4 overs) beat USA 195 (43.3 overs) by 9 wickets
The Nepal vs USA encounter was expected to be a tight contest between two competitive sides. Instead, Nepal produced one of their most complete performances in recent memory, bowling with discipline, fielding with energy, and batting with a fluency that left the American bowlers searching for answers . At Sportsphere24 Updates, we bring you the full story of a memorable day for Nepali cricket.
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Final Score Box Score
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America | 195 all out | 43.3 | Lost by 9 wickets |
| Nepal | 199/1 | 36.4 | Won |
Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal
Attendance: Full house
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Toss: USA elected to bat first
Player of the Match: Kushal Bhurtel (120* off 118)
Series: ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, 2023–27
Points: Nepal 2, USA 0
First Innings: Airee's Four Wicket Haul Restricts USA
The Nepal vs USA first innings began with promise for the visitors but ended in familiar disappointment. After winning the toss and electing to bat, USA openers Shayan Jahangir and Smit Patel looked to build a solid foundation .
The Opening Salvo
Jahangir's stay at the crease was brief. The opener was dismissed for just 6 off 15 balls, caught behind off the bowling of Sompal Kami . USA 22/1.
From there, Smit Patel and Shehan Jayasuriya took control. The pair put together a crucial 100-run stand for the second wicket, steering the USA innings toward a competitive total . Jayasuriya was the aggressor early, reaching his 50 off 52 balls, hitting five fours and a six . Patel was more measured, playing the anchor role to perfection.
Patel's 83 and the Middle-Order Collapse
Smit Patel anchored the innings with a well-constructed 83 off 89 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes . He was dropped early—Aasif Sheikh put down a tough chance off Sompal Kami when Patel was on 14 . That drop proved costly as Patel continued to accumulate runs, looking set for a century.
The partnership eventually ended when Sompal Kami returned to dismiss Jayasuriya for 50, caught by Gulsan Jha . USA 122/2 in 22.4 overs.
What followed was a batting collapse of dramatic proportions. Sandeep Lamichhane trapped captain Saiteja Mukkamalla lbw for 4, and then Dipendra Singh Airee entered the attack .
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 7.3 | 4 | 3.20 |
| Sompal Kami | 7 | 2 | 5.00 |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | 10 | 1 | 4.10 |
| Gulsan Jha | 4 | 1 | 7.00 |
Airee was simply sensational. He removed dangerman Jayasuriya, then returned to claim the wickets of Milind Kumar (28), Nosthush Kenjige (1), and Harmeet Singh (14) in a devastating spell . Nepal's fielding also contributed—Airee combined with wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh for two sharp run-outs .
Milind Kumar had threatened to rebuild the innings, reaching 28 off 41 balls with two fours and two sixes, but his dismissal triggered the final slide . The USA tail offered little resistance, and the innings ended at 195 in 43.3 overs . Airee finished with career-best figures of 4/24, reaching 50 ODI wickets during the spell .
At Sportsphere24 Updates, we recognized that 195 was below par on a good Kirtipur surface—but Nepal still needed to execute their chase.
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Second Innings: The Bhurtel–Sheikh Masterclass
The Nepal vs USA chase was a procession from the very first over. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh walked out with intent, and within the opening exchanges, it was clear that the USA total was nowhere near sufficient.
The Record Partnership
Bhurtel and Sheikh put together an electrifying 145-run partnership for the first wicket—Nepal's fourth-highest ODI partnership of all time . The duo batted with calm authority, rotating the strike and dispatching bad balls to the boundary.
Kushal Bhurtel (120 off 118 balls)*
Bhurtel was in a class of his own. He brought up his century off 105 balls, reaching the milestone with a powerful drive through the covers . His innings was a blend of patience and aggression—he waited for loose deliveries and punished them mercilessly. This was his second ODI century, the first having come against Namibia at the same venue in February 2023 .
Aasif Sheikh (58 off 72 balls)
8 fours
Strike rate: 80.55
Sheikh played the perfect supporting role, accumulating runs steadily while Bhurtel played the aggressor . The partnership ended in the 27th over when Sheikh was caught by Harmeet Singh off the bowling of Mohammad Mohsin .
Ishan Pandey Seals the Victory
On debut, Ishan Pandey joined Bhurtel at the crease with the finish line in sight. The young batter remained unbeaten on 20 off 30 balls, hitting the winning boundary to seal the emphatic nine-wicket victory .
Nepal reached 199/1 in just 36.4 overs, chasing down the target with more than 13 overs to spare . The USA bowlers had no answers—Harmeet Singh was the only wicket-taker, finishing with 1/41 from 7 overs .
| Nepal Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel | 120* | 118 | 13 | 4 | 101.69 |
| Aasif Sheikh | 58 | 72 | 8 | 0 | 80.55 |
| Ishan Pandey | 20* | 30 | 1 | 0 | 66.66 |
At Sportsphere24 Updates, we were impressed by the clinical nature of the chase. There was no panic, no unnecessary risk—just professional, disciplined batting.
Nepal vs USA Player Ratings
Nepal
USA
At Sportsphere24 Updates, we note that the grade disparity reflects the chasm between the two teams on the day. Nepal's key players delivered match-winning performances; USA's top order showed fight, but the middle-order collapse was catastrophic.
Tactical Analysis: How Nepal Dominated
The Nepal vs USA contest was decided by three key factors: disciplined bowling, a record-breaking opening stand, and the inability of the USA middle order to handle pressure.
Airee's Middle-Order Assault
When Shehan Jayasuriya fell in the 23rd over, the USA innings was well-placed at 122/2. From there, Dipendra Singh Airee took over. His four-wicket haul came at a miserly economy of just 3.20, with wickets coming at regular intervals . Milind Kumar threatened to rebuild but fell to Airee; the tail offered no resistance. The middle order crumbled from 122/2 to 195 all out—a collapse of 8 wickets for just 73 runs .
Bhurtel's Patience and Power
Kushal Bhurtel's approach was a masterclass in chasing. He didn't try to dominate from the first ball. Instead, he rotated the strike, built a partnership with Aasif Sheikh, and only accelerated once the required rate was under control. By the time he reached his century, the result was a foregone conclusion .
Opening Partnership Sets the Tone
The 145-run stand between Bhurtel and Sheikh was the backbone of the chase. It took the pressure off the middle order and allowed Nepal to coast to victory . This was Nepal's fourth-highest partnership in ODI cricket, and it came at the perfect time.
At Sportsphere24 Updates, we believe this performance sends a clear message to the rest of the League 2 competitors: on their home turf, Nepal is a force to be reckoned with.
Post-Match Reaction
Kushal Bhurtel (Player of the Match):
*No direct quotes available. His innings spoke volumes—120 not out, his second ODI century, and a career-best knock that will be remembered for years .*
Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal All-Rounder):
Airee's four-wicket haul was the turning point of the match. He reached 50 ODI wickets during the spell and was deservedly named among the top performers .
No direct quotes available.
Saiteja Mukkamalla (USA Captain):
Mukkamalla's own stay at the crease was brief—dismissed lbw by Sandeep Lamichhane for just 4—and his team's collapse will be a source of frustration .
What This Means for the Standings
The Nepal vs USA result has significant implications for the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 points table.
| Position | Team | Points | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotland | 38 | — |
| 5 | Namibia | 22 | — |
| 6 | Canada | 21 | — |
| 7 | Nepal | 20 | 26 |
| 8 | UAE | 14 | — |
Nepal (7th, 20 points) climbed to 20 points, sitting just one point behind Canada and two behind Namibia . With matches remaining in the League 2 cycle, Nepal has a realistic chance of climbing further up the table.
USA (2nd, 36 points) remained in second place despite the defeat . It was their second consecutive loss after falling to Scotland earlier in the week . The top-of-the-table visitors will need to regroup quickly.
At Sportsphere24 Updates, we think the points table is still tightly contested. Nepal's victory keeps their hopes alive for a higher finish, while USA's lead at the top has been cut.
What's Next for Both Teams
The Nepal vs USA series continues with another match at the same venue.
Upcoming Fixture
| Team | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | vs United States | May 22, 2026 | TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| USA | vs Nepal | May 22, 2026 | TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
Key Questions for the Rematch
1. Can USA recover from this heavy defeat?
The USA middle order collapsed under pressure. They will need to address their fragility against quality spin bowling.
2. Will Nepal carry the momentum?
Bhurtel is in the form of his life, and Airee is bowling with confidence. Nepal will be favorites on home soil.
3. Can the USA bowlers find a way to dismiss Bhurtel early?
Bhurtel has now scored a century against USA. The visitors will need a new plan to contain him.
4. How will the pitch behave?
The Kirtipur surface has traditionally assisted spinners. With Airee and Lamichhane in Nepal's ranks, home advantage is significant.
At Sportsphere24 Updates, we will have complete coverage of the rematch. If the first game was any indication, cricket fans are in for another treat.
Sportsphere24 Updates Prediction for the Rematch: Nepal's momentum and home advantage make them favorites for the second game as well. Expect another competitive contest, but the hosts should edge it.
Prediction: Nepal wins again by a comfortable margin.
Final Thoughts: A Day to Remember for Nepali Cricket
The Nepal vs USA game on Saturday was more than just another League 2 fixture—it was a statement. A declaration that Nepali cricket is on the rise, that their players can compete with—and dominate—established Associate nations on their own turf.
Kushal Bhurtel produced an innings of remarkable maturity and class, announcing his return to form in emphatic fashion . Dipendra Singh Airee proved once again why he is one of the most valuable all-rounders in Associate cricket . The opening partnership between Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh was a joy to watch—patient, intelligent, and ultimately destructive.
For the USA, this was a sobering defeat. Smit Patel fought valiantly for his 83, and Shehan Jayasuriya provided solid support, but the middle order crumbled when it mattered most . The visitors will need to regroup quickly ahead of the rematch.
At Sportsphere24 Updates, we will be watching the second game closely. Can Nepal complete the double over the second-placed team? Will USA bounce back and show the resilience that has made them a top Associate nation?
Thank you for reading Sportsphere24 Updates, your home for daily cricket stories, analysis, and predictions. We will be back with complete coverage of the Nepal-USA rematch and every step of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2.
Until then, keep your eyes on the ball.