Colombo, February 3:

An impressive half-century from Sarad Vesawkar helped Nepal to a six-wicket win over Scotland in the official practice match of the ICC U-19 World Cup here today.

With the win, Nepal also completed a sweet revenge of the loss to Scotland two years ago. Put in to bat first after Nepali stand-in skipper Paras Khadka won the toss, Scotland scored 189 runs losing nine wickets in the allotted 50 overs. Nepal chased the total in 45.3 overs losing four wickets.

Vesawkar, who scored unbeaten 33 against Namibia on Wednesday, remained not out on 77 off 115 balls that included 10 fours. “Initially, I had difficulty facing their ball but later on I felt comfortable,” said Vesawkar, adding that the innings generated a great deal of confidence in him.

He had scored half century against the same team in Bangladesh in 2004. Yaswant had complemented him quite well putting 76-runs partnership for the third wicket. Subedi scored 27 off 53 balls with the help of two fours. Super-Sub Kaniska Chaugai (15) and Mahesh Chhetri (15) put on 43-run opening stand.

Paras Khadka was run out for five. Prem Chaudhary remained unbeaten on 17.

The two practice matches here has shown greater improvement in Nepali camp but at the cost of poor fielding that was long considered Nepal’s strength. Bantu Bataju took three wickets conceding 34 runs in six overs but bowled 18 wides.

Amrit Bhattarai, who was rested in the first match, claimed two wickets giving away 27 runs in nine overs, while Paras Khadka and Ratan Rauniyar pocketed one wicket each.

Skipper Khadka accepted the poor fielding during the match. “We have to improve in the fielding department maintaining the batting form in the real tournament,” Khadka said.

Yaswant Subedi dropped two catches, first in the 11th over and the second in the 35th over. Nepali coach Roy Dias said that his boys had improved lot in batting and bowling which would boost their morale.

Earlier, CA Mclibod top-scored for Scotland with unbeaten 32 runs. Only two other batsmen could cross the 20-run mark.