KATHMANDU: Nepal ‘A’ secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over the United States in a one-day match played at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on Friday.

Chasing a target of 263 runs set by the USA, Nepal ‘A’ reached the total with five balls to spare, finishing at 263/7 in 49.1 overs.

Mayan Yadav starred for Nepal with a superb innings of 72 runs off 80 balls, including four fours and two sixes, guiding the team into a strong position. Opener Tritraj Das scored 23 runs, while captain Anil Sah contributed 27. Dev Khanal was dismissed for 17, but Sandeep Jora steadied the middle order with 36 runs. Kushal Malla added 33 runs.

The match became tense toward the end before Pawan Sarraf played a quickfire unbeaten 24 off just 15 balls, hitting one four and two sixes. Deepak Dumre remained not out on two runs as Nepal completed the chase.

For the USA, Milind Kumar claimed two wickets, while Saurabh Netravalkar, Nosthush Kenjige, Rushil Ugarkar, Harmeet Singh, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi took one wicket each.

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, the USA posted 262/8 in their allotted 50 overs.

Smit Patel was the standout performer for the visitors, smashing a brilliant century. He scored 116 runs off 107 balls, striking 10 fours and five sixes. Opener Shayan Jahangir managed nine runs, while captain Monank Patel added 20. Saiteja Mukkamalla scored 10 and Milind Kumar made seven.

Further contributions came from Shubham Ranjane (16), Sanjay Krishnamurthi (15), and Shehan Jayasuriya (7). In the closing overs, Harmeet Singh remained unbeaten on 25, while Jasdeep Singh added an unbeaten 33 to help the USA reach a competitive total.

For Nepal ‘A’, Pawan Sarraf took two wickets, while Bipin Khatri, Shahab Alam, Basir Ahmad, Sher Malla, Rashid Khan, and Narayan Joshi picked up one wicket each.