KATHMANDU: Nepal registered an easy nine-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in their first match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier at Kinrara Academy Oval of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on Thursday.

Nepal won the toss and invited Papua New Guinea to bat first. They were bowled out for 48 runs in 28.2 overs.

Sunil Dhamala claimed five wickets, Aarif Sheikh bagged three wickets and Sushil Kandel snatched a wicket for Nepal.

Lohia Guba scored highest 13 runs for Papua New Guinea.

Only two batsmen of Papua New Guinea were able to score double digit scores.

Dhamala scored highest 24 runs and Karki contributed 16 runs for Nepal.

Nepal defended the target of 49 runs in 55 balls.

Five countries including Nepal, the United States of America, Ireland, Uganda and Papua New Guinea are locking their horns for the title.

The winner will make it to the U19 World Cup Championship to be held in Bangladesh next year.