Kathmandu: Nepal slumped to a third successive defeat in the Top End Twenty20 Series as they succumbed to a 31- run defeat against Melbourne Stars Academy (MSA) in Darwin, Australia, on Monday.

Opting to bat first, MSA rode on fluent half-centuries from opener Thomas Rogers and Blake McDonald to post 175-7 before restricting Nepal to 144-7.

The loss follows Nepal’s 42-run defeat to Northern Territory Strike in their opener on Friday and a 32-run setback against Bangladesh ‘A’ on Saturday. They are scheduled to face Hobart Hurricanes on Tuesday.

The third defeat in a row has left Nepal languishing second from bottom in the 11-team standings without a point, while Northern Territory Strike lead the table with six points.

After the early dismissal of skipper Campbell Kellaway for just two runs—caught by captain Rohit Paudel off Sompal Kami—Rogers and McDonald built a commanding 120-run partnership for the second wicket.

McDonald smashed a quickfire 74 off 47 balls, studded with seven fours and two sixes, before falling to leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, caught by Bhim Sharki. Rogers contributed 65 off 46 deliveries with seven boundaries and a six before Sandeep struck again, with Rohit taking the catch. Sam Harper chipped in an unbeaten eight runs.

Sandeep claimed 3-26 from his four-over spell, while Sompal and Shahab Alam picked up one wicket apiece.

In the run chase, Nepal’s innings revolved around opener Aasif Sheikh, who compiled 53 off 49 balls, including three fours and a six, before being run out.

Skipper Rohit Paudel added 33 off 31 with three boundaries, Kushal Bhurtel (25 off 13) and Kushal Malla (11 off 11) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.

MSA bowlers Austin Anlezark and Doug Warren bagged two wickets each to cap off a comfortable win for their side.