World T20: Nepal set 150-run target for Hong Kong

CHITTAGONG: Nepal made 149 runs for nine wickets against Hong Kong in the second match on the first day in the fifth ICC World Twenty20 here at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Sunday.

After Hong Kong captain Jamie Atkinson won the toss and elected to field first, Nepal openers Sagar Pun and Subash Khakurel provided a good start of 36 in 4.4 overs before both made exit on the same score.

However, Gayanandra Malla and captain Paras Khadka took the control of the situation and both added 80 valuable runs for the third wicket partnership when the latter was dismissed by Najeeb Amar for 41 off 37 balls.

Nepal reached 148-4 at the beginning of the last over which saw the fall of four wickets, including two run outs, as pacer Haseeb Amjad dismissed two batsmen. They included Malla, who was caught and bowled off the first ball of the 20th over for a 41-ball 48, the top score of the innings.

Haseeb captured three wickets for 25 while left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed took two for 26.

Nepal and Hong Kong are making their debut in the World T20 Cup.