Kathmandu, April 19, 2016: Skipper Paras Khadka retained his golden touch with a century, as he rose to the occasion on Monday in Nepal’s thrilling three-wicket victory over Namibia in the second match of their ICC World Cricket League Championship (WCLC) third round.
The win lifted Nepal to the fifth place in the tournament that provides 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifiers spot to the top four teams in Bangladesh.
In front of a home crowd, which had returned to the TU cricket ground still savouring Saturday’s maiden victory, Nepal’s reply to Namibia’s 239-9 in 50 overs was built around Khadka’s magnificent knock and a match-winning 167-run partnership with Sharad Vesawkar, as they reached the target with one ball to spare.
Khadka, who became the only second Nepali batsman to score two centuries, made 103 from 94 balls.
Vesawkar, also the hero in Nepal’s five-wicket victory on Saturday, remained unbeaten on 74 from 107 balls.
While Vesawkar maintained his calm taking the team home in the final over when Nepal needed six runs, Khadka had laid the foundation for team’s victory, dominating the Namibian bowling attack.
Khadka’s innings included five fours and seven sixes. He completed his century with the seventh six. Khadka is often admired for pulling his team out of trouble on numerous occasions, and he did not disappoint his team on Monday.
Vesawkar, who batted till last overs, was all praises for the skipper.
“Paras played an exceptional innings today. He took the pressure off the team, and scoring a ton here is remarkable,†said Vesawkar. Watching his side climb up in the table, Khadka said he wanted his side to remain focused in the matches ahead.
“This is just a beginning. We have to get to the top four. The road ahead
is not easy,†said Khadka, “Our preparations have to start soon.â€
On his second century, Khadka said, “Team’s victory is more important than
personal milestone. Winning is the most important thing.
A century of course feels good. But whether it is five, 10 or 100 runs, if the team wins, it is a big factor.â€
Nepali CENTURIONS
Year   Player   Opponent   Tournament   Venue   Score
2003   Raju Khadka   Bhutan   Emering Nations Cup   Nepal   105
2005   Shakti Gauchan   Italy   Div 2 Qualifier   Malaysia   106
2010   Sharad Vesawkar   Fiji   Div 5   Nepal   105
2012   Subash Khakurel   USA   Div 4   Malaysia   115
2012   Anil Mandal   Denmark   Div 4   Malaysia   113
2012   Paras Khadka   Kuwait   ACC Trophy   UAE   106
2014   Gyanendra Malla   Singapore   Div 3   Malaysia   114
2015   Anil Mandal   Scotland   WCLC   Scotland   100
2016    Paras Khadka   Namibia   WCLC   Nepal   103
