By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Aug 16, 2025 13:47 PM • 102 views
Darwin, Australia — Nepal's rough start in the ongoing Top End T20 Series continued on Saturday as they slumped to a 32-run defeat against Bangladesh 'A' at the Marrara Cricket Ground 2, marking their second straight loss of the tournament. After falling short by 42 runs against Northern Territory Strikers in their opening match, Nepal once again struggled to keep pace with the opposition. For Bangladesh, however, this was their first win of the series, having been handed a heavy 79-run loss by Pakistan Shaheens in their opener. Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted a competitive 186 for six in 20 overs. Jishan Alam was the standout performer, smashing 73 off 46 balls with five sixes and four boundaries. He was well supported by Afif Hossain, who remained unbeaten on 48, while Mohammad Naim (25) and Saif Hassan (11) chipped in with valuable runs. Nepal's bowling attack found little success, with Rijhan Dhakal taking two wickets while Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up one apiece. In reply, Nepal fought but could not match the scoring tempo. They finished on 154 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Middle-order batter Kushal Malla was the lone bright spot, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 47 balls, including six fours and a six. Opener Aasif Sheikh made 28, Lokesh Bam added 15, Nandan Yadav was unbeaten on 14, while Kushal Bhurtel (12) and captain Rohit Kumar Paudel (10) failed to convert their starts. Bangladesh's bowlers shared the spoils, with Rakibul Hasan claiming three wickets, Hasan Mahmud taking two, and Toufiqul Ahmed, along with Ripon Mandal, grabbing one each. With two defeats in as many matches, Nepal will be desperate to bounce back when they face Melbourne Stars Academy on Monday.
