Kathmandu, March 13: A five-wicket haul by cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane helped Nepal register an emphatic nine-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in a match held under the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League-2 tri-series at home ground in Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Monday.    

Nepal achieved the paltry 96-run target posted by Papua New Guinea in 7.4 overs at the cost of one wicket.     

Papua New Guinea, who were invited to bat first after losing the toss, were all out for just 95 runs in 32 overs.     

Assad Vala scored 20 runs for the visitors while Sese Bau contributed 18 runs, Charles Amini scored 16 and Hiri Hiri made 14.     

Sandeep Lamichhane shined in the bowling discipline claiming five wickets singlehandedly. He conceded only 25 runs off 60 balls with a maiden over. He was announced the player of the match.     

Similarly, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi and Kushal Malla took two wickets each, and Sompal Kami bagged one.     

In response, openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aashif Shekh played a stand of half century in just three overs. Their 51-run partnership for the first wicket prepared the base for Nepal to achieve the target with ease. Shekh remained unbeaten on 53 off 21 balls scoring three sixes and eight boundaries while Bhurtel hit 33 runs off 14 balls with two sixes and four boundaries.

Similarly, Kushal Malla remained unbeaten on 12 off 13 balls with one six and one four. For Papua New Guinea, Chad Soper bagged one wicket.     

Nepal will next face the United Arab Emirates in the tri-series on Thursday.