Watch: Nepal’s Kushal Bhurtel grabs a stunner to dismiss UAE’s Vishnu Sukumaran

Kushal Bhurtel. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Nepal’s star batter Kushal Bhurtel displayed his acrobatic best against United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the semifinal game in the ongoing Asian T20 Cup, Bhurtel strode back and plucked a stunner to dismiss Vishnu Sukumaran.

Chasing a nominal target of 120 runs, UAE were off to a brisk start as Bhurtel’s catch in the eighth over of the innings stole the show.

Nepal bowler, Gulshan Jha was bowling tight lines even after he was hit for six in the over. His first five deliveries saw him concede seven runs and the subsequent delivery claimed the wicket of well-set Sukumaran.

The angled ball was trajected away from the batter proved decisive for the batter. The tempting delivery caused the batter to opt for a lofted shot. However, Bhurtel’s surreal effort in the field resulted in the batter not yielding the desired result and gave away his wicket. 

Here’s the video of Kushal Bhurtel’s catch:

Nepal will hope for customary victory in the Asian T20 Cup

However, Bhurtel’s efforts were the only highlight of the match as Nepal batters struggled in the game. Defending the target of 120 runs, Nepal bowlers had no resources to pull things back. As a result, UAE chased down the target in 17.2 overs and handed Nepal a heartbreak. For UAE, Alishan Sharfu was the standout batter as he amassed 55 runs off 44 deliveries. 

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The win meant that UAE will straightaway walk into the finals of the league. On the other hand, Nepal will play the waiting game as Oman will take on Hong Kong on Saturday. Nepal will aim to bounce back against the loser of Saturday’s fixture and solidify their position in the third place of the playoff.