By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Dec 13, 2025 09:35 AM • 42 views
Nepal’s campaign at the 2025 ACC U19 Asia Cup began on a dismal note Saturday, as the Young Rhinos suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka at The Sevens Stadium.
In a Group B clash that exposed the fragility of Nepal's batting lineup, Sri Lankan pacer Sethmika Seneviratne produced a devastating spell, claiming five wickets to bundle Nepal out for 82. The island nation then chased down the target with ease, reaching 83-2 in 14.5 overs to secure a dominant victory.
Batting Collapse
After winning the toss and electing to field, Sri Lanka’s decision paid immediate dividends. Nepal’s openers, Sahil Patel and Niraj Kumar Yadav, provided a brief moment of stability with a 30-run stand, but the wheels came off shortly after the first wicket fell.
Yadav (10 off 18) and Patel (12 off 28) were dismissed in quick succession, triggering a collapse from which Nepal never recovered. Seneviratne tore through the heart of the Nepali order, removing Patel and Vansh Chhetri (0) early, then returned to clean up the tail. His figures included the wickets of Dilsad Ali and Dayanand Mandal, both dismissed for ducks, and Bipin Sharma (1).
The scorecard made for grim reading for the Nepali management. 'Extras' was the top scorer of the innings, with Sri Lanka conceding 19 runs (15 wides and four leg byes). No batter managed to surpass this tally, highlighting the lack of application against a disciplined Sri Lankan attack.
Alongside Seneviratne’s five-wicket haul, Rasith Nimsara, Vigneshwaran Akash, Dulnith Sigera, and Chamika Heenatigala each took a wicket, wrapping up Nepal's innings in 28.5 overs.
Clinical Chase
Defending 82 was always going to be an uphill battle for Nepal. Dayanand Mandal provided a glimmer of hope by removing opener Viran Chamuditha (10) early. A sharp piece of fielding saw Kithma Withanapathirana run out for 2.
The low total meant Sri Lanka could play without pressure. Opener Dimantha Mahavithana anchored the chase with a composed 39 not out off 49 balls. He was supported by Kavija Gamage, who remained unbeaten on 24, as the pair guided Sri Lanka across the line with 211 balls to spare.
Road Ahead
The loss leaves Nepal with little margin for error in a competitive Group B, which also features Afghanistan and Bangladesh. With the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals, the Young Rhinos must regroup quickly.
Nepal will face Bangladesh on Monday, then Afghanistan on Wednesday, needing improved performances in both to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
