KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 7

Nepal suffered a 17-run defeat to Afghanistan in their opening match of the Hong Kong International Sixes held at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, on Friday morning.

Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted a strong total of 112 runs in six overs. Opener Karim Janat blasted 35 off just 10 balls, while Farmanullah and skipper Gulbadin Naib added 30 and 22 runs respectively.

For Nepal, Rashid Khan claimed four wickets and Lokesh Bam took one.

Chasing 113 for victory, Nepal managed 95 runs in their allotted overs despite captain Sundeep Jora's explosive 53 off 14 balls. Lokesh Bam contributed 10 runs, while Rashid Khan and Mohammad Aadil Alam chipped in with 11 each.

Nepal, placed in Pool A alongside South Africa, will next face the Proteas on Saturday.