KATHMANDU: Nepal on Monday lost to Pakistan by six wickets in their first match of the ACC Emerging Teams Cup being held in Bangladesh.

Pakistan's opening batsman Imam ul Haq struck an unbeaten century to let his team chase down Nepal's paltry score of 181 for the victory with ease during the opening game.

Pakistan's U-23 team, which is above Nepal in the ICC ranking, raced to victory after set batsman Imam ul Haq struck a scorching cover drive of part-time spinner Sagar Pun for four in the 46th over.

Haq batted throughout the innings and took his team over the line as other batsmen failed to exert themselves in the middle and Haq singlehandedly defeated Nepali bowlers with ease.

He struck unbeaten 104 runs off 135 deliveries, with nine hits to the boundary.

Nepal's stand-in skipper Gyanendra Malla presents a souvenir to his Pakistani counterpart before a game during the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Bangladesh, on Monday, March 27, 2017. Courtesy: Raman Shiwakoti

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ACC Emerging Teams Cup: Nepal post 181-run target to Pakistan

Nepal's stand-in skipper Gyanendra Malla, who had failed in batting, redeemed himself by taking two Pakistani scalps with his part-time bowling. He was the pick of the Nepali bowlers with 10-0-44-2.

Sandeep Lamichhane drew the first blood when he clean-bowled Imran Butt with the beauty as Butt failed to read his leg spin only to see his stumps pegged back.

Pakistan had lost two quick wickets in succession for just one run as Mohammad Rizwan was caught at long on by Dipendra Singh Airee of Lamichhane's bowling. Part-timer Malla sent Hussain Talat for a golden duck caught by Sunil Dhamala behind the stumps as Pakistan were reeling at 139/4 in the 34th over.

However, Haq shared an unbroken partnership of 44 runs for the fifth wicket with Hammad Azam. Azam remained not out on 22 off 42 deliveries with two hits at the fence.

Nepal will take on Bangladesh in their next fixture tomorrow.