Kathmandu: Nepal slumped to their second consecutive defeat in the Top End Twenty20 Series, going down to Bangladesh ‘A’ by 32 runs in Darwin, Australia, on Saturday.

Nepal were restricted to 154-7 in their run chase after Bangladesh ‘A’, who chose to bat first, posted a commanding 186-6. 

Nepal had earlier lost their opening match by 42 runs against Northern Territory Strike on Friday. They will next face Melbourne Stars Academy on Monday.

Bangladesh opener Jishan Alam was the star with the bat, crafting a composed 73 off 46 balls, laced with four boundaries and five sixes, before being dismissed by Nandan Yadav. Afif Hossain provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 48 from just 23 balls, hammering nine boundaries. Mohammad Naim chipped in with 25 off 18 while Saif Hassan added a run-a-ball 11.

For Nepal, left-arm spinner Rijan Dhakal took two wickets from his three-over spell, conceding 34 runs. Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, and Sandeep Lamichhane took one wicket apiece.

In pursuit of the challenging target, Nepal’s innings revolved around middle-order batter Kushal Malla, who remained unbeaten on 59 off 47 deliveries, striking six fours and a six. However, wickets tumbled at regular intervals, leaving the chase adrift. Opener Aasif Sheikh contributed 28 off 24, Kushal Bhurtel managed 12 from seven, while Lokesh Bam struck a quick 15 off 10. Skipper Rohit Paudel added 10 off 15, and Nandan Yadav stayed unbeaten on 14 from nine balls.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack was spearheaded by spinner Rakibul Hasan, who delivered a superb spell of 3-18 in four overs. Hasan Mahmud chipped in with two wickets to seal the victory.