Kathmandu, February 12:

Nepal started their ICC U-19 World Cup campaign with a comprehensive 188-run win over Bermuda in the first of the two official practice matches at the Kilat Club in Malaysia on Tuesday.

Electing to bat first, Nepal scored 256-8 in 50 overs and bowled out Bermuda for just 68 runs in 24.1 overs.

Nepali openers Anil Mandal and Mahesh Chhetri gave Nepal a solid start, putting on 52 before both the players fell in space of two runs. Mandal scored 21off 38 balls including three fours while Chhetri made 15 from 35 including two hits to the fence.

Despite losing two quick wickets Nepal continued their assault as two new batsmen Gyanendra Malla and skipper Paras Khadka put on a 105-run stand for the third wicket. Khadka scored 63 off 82 balls including five fours and two sixes while Malla made 37 off 55 balls with four boundaries.

By the time both Khadka and Malla were dismissed, Nepal were cruising along nicely at 160-4 in the 36th over. Sagar Khadka (30), Puspa Thapa (20) and Rahul Bishwokarma (15) also chipped in valuable runs. Malachi Jones took three, Jordan De Silva two and Kyle Hodsoll and Rodney Trott one wicket each for Bermuda.

Chasing a mammoth 257, Bermuda lost wickets in regular intervals and never recovered. Malachi Jones was the only batsman to reach the double figures. Khadka followed his superb batting to take 2-12 while Raj Shrestha (3-7) and Amrit Bhattarai (3-25) snared three wickets each. Avay Rana and Rahul Bishwokarma took one apiece.

Nepal will play their next practice match against Zimbabwe on Thursday.