Nepal were one of three associates in action today in South Africa at the men's Under-19 World Cup, and unfortunately all three lost, with Nepal falling to a five wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan in East London.
Nepal won the toss at Buffalo Park and chose to bat first. A few Nepali batters were able to get starts, but their top score was Bipin Rawal's 39 as they scored 197 from their 50 overs, the final wicket falling from the final delivery. Arafat Minhas was the pick of Pakistan's bowlers with 3-23.
Pakistan started their chase with an 80 run opening partnership between Shamyl Hussain and Shahzaib Khan, who both fell in quick succession in the 22nd over, both for matching scores of 37.
Both fell to Aakash Chand, who took one more wicket to briefly make things interesting, but Pakistan rounded out winners in straightforward fashion with Azan Awais scoring an unbeaten 63 to secure the five wicket win.
Pakistan's Azan Awais during his match-winning 63 not out (ICC)
Nepal's next game will be against a struggling Afghanistan side on Friday, whilst Pakistan round out their first round campaign on Saturday against New Zealand.