The recently concluded Tri-nation cricket series between the host Nepal, Netherlands, and Malaysia amid the Coronavirus was a grand success. Players got what they needed to play the game, whereas fans watched their stars play. Except for a few matches, all were competitive and hard-fought.

There were so many moments to choose from, and a few moments narrowly missed out on my top ten, such as the competitiveness and intensity of the tournament. Okay, without further ado, let’s get into my Top 10 moments from the tournament.

My Top 10 moments are:

10. Sompal Kami shoe celebration

In the 3rd match of the series between Nepal and Malaysia, Sompal produced a magical and entertaining moment. When he made a batsman chop onto his stumps, he took off his shoe and celebrated dialling a call with his shoe.

9. Kushal Malla, the youngest men’s player to score ODI and T20-I fifty

Kushal Malla scored an unbeaten half-century in the Final match against the Netherlands when he scored 51*. This half-century made him the youngest player to score ODI and T20-I half-century among Men’s Cricket Players.

8. Netherlands chased mammoth 207 runs against Nepal

The Netherlands chased a mammoth total of 206 of Nepal.

It was one of the greatest days for Associate cricket at the TU International Ground in Kathmandu. Visitors, the Netherlands chased their highest target ever in T20Is, chasing 207 with 3 wickets and 3 balls to spare.

Bas De Leede was awarded Man of the Match in playing one of the spectacular innings under pressure in what will be remembered as one of the greatest T20I run chases in history.

7. Nepal registered its highest T20-I total and win margin

Nepal amassed the Netherlands for 238, which is Nepal’s highest T20I Total. In reply, Nepal bundled out the Netherlands for just 96 runs to win by 142 runs, which is the largest margin of victory for Nepal.

6. Karan KC stunning Six hitting onslaught

Karan KC was a destructive beast that he blasted 7 sixes in his first 11 balls. He once had the fastest T20-I half-century on sight when he batted at 44* off 11 balls.

5. Max O’Dowd scoring Netherlands 1st T-20I Century

Max O’Dowd scored a maiden T20-I century for Netherlands and himself as he scored 133* against Malaysia.

4. Sandeep Lamichhane picking up 13 wickets in Five Matches

Nepali Leg-spinning sensation was mediocre for Nepal. Sandeep claimed 13 wickets in 5 games even though he went for a journey and leaked runs more than he liked.

3. First ever Tied T-20I Game in TU Cricket Ground

Netherlands and Malaysia produced an epic game, which was disrupted by two rain delays. The match had a see-saw battle throughout, which went to 6 needed off last over for Malaysia. Though Malaysia was within one boundary away from a famous win, Dutch bowler Kingma had other plans. Needing 2 from the last ball, he pinned a perfect wide yorker that sealed a tie for the Netherlands.

2. Nepal Win Cricket Trophy on home soil after 13 years

Nepal finally won a trophy on home soil after 13 years of drought when they defeated the Netherlands in the Bajaj Pulsar Tri-nation Series Final.

1. Kushal Bhurtel Scoring 4 half-centuries in first 5 Matches

Kushal Bhurtel, debutant on this series, had a dream start to his T20-I career amassing three 50’s in the first three games, a world record. Bhurtel had a tally of 278 runs at 66 from 5 games, including four 50+ scores and was rightly judged as “The player of the Series”.

These are my Top 10 moments from the Tri-nation T20-I series.

What’s Yours?????