Sompal Kami completed a five-wicket haul as Nepal bowled Kurunegala Combine XI for 347 runs on the first day of their three-day match in Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Kurunegala were indebted to Minod Banuka (113) who struck a fine century to lay the foundation for a big total. Gayan Maneeshan (60) and Leo Fransisco (51) hit half centuries to consolidate their total. Openers Fransisco and Rajitha Rathnayeke gave a steady start with a stand of 65 runs before Bhuwan Karki gave Nepal the break through with the scalp of the latter. Madawa Warnapur (17) added 32 runs with Fransisco for the second wicket but lost his wicket to Sagar Pun, who also accounted for the opener to reduce the local side to 114-3.
Banuka and Maneesna then put 114 runs stand to give Kurunegala a huge first innings advantage. Karki dismissed Maneeshan but Banuka was sixth batsman out--dismissed by Kami--at 311-6. Kami polished off the tail, finishing 5-64. Pun and Karki took two wickets apiece.
The match is part of Nepal’s preparation for the ICC World Cricket League Division II slated for 17 January 17-24 next year in Namibia. After three 3-day games, Nepal will play Hong Kong in their first ever three-match Twenty20 International series.
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