Shakti Gauchan scored an unbeaten half-century, after Mehboob Alam claimed three Malaysian tailenders’ wickets, to put Nepal on top on the second day of the three-day match in the ICC Intercontinental Cup
Wisden Cricinfo staff25-Apr-2004
ScorecardShakti Gauchan scored an unbeaten half-century and Mehboob Alam claimedthree Malaysian tailenders’ wickets, to put Nepal on top on the second day oftheir three-day match in the ICC Intercontinental Cup. Malaysiaadded only one run – from 3.5 overs – to their overnight score of 131 for 6 before being bowled out in the morning session. Mehboob Alam claimed 3 for 0 in 1.5 overs, after Raju Khadka, the captain, had dismissed RV Suppiah.Alam removed M Marimuthu for 3, and bowled S Sakadivan andtrapped Mohammad A Rahim lbw, both for 0. In reply, Nepal started badly, but Gauchan’s unbeaten 69 helped them take a 66-run lead before beingbowled out for 198 in 84.1 overs. At stumps on the second day, Malaysia were 3 for 1. Offspinner Sanjam Regmi, who claimed three first-innings wickets, trapped RM Selvaratnam, the first-innings top-scorer, lbw.For Nepal, Paresh Lohani departed for just 5, while Alam, the other opener, scored a run-a-ball 22, including five fours. Nepal came under pressure after Bikash Dali (5) was trapped by the Malaysian captain,Suresh Navaratnam, who finished with impressive figures of 20-1-60-5. WhenGauchan came in, Nepal were 31 for 2, but he kept the scoreboard ticking and batted almost throughout the day.Khadka supported Gauchan during a 106-run partnership, striking five fours in his 44. Raju Basnet made 23, while others failed to reach double figures. Gauchan, who had led the U-19s in the Youth World Cup, batted for275 minutes, and faced 231 balls.S Jayawardana claimed two wickets, while K Munandey, R Vishnu and A Rahimgrabbed one apiece.