Kathmandu, January 9

Nepal faced a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of hosts Pakistan in their opening match of the fifth Blind Cricket World Cup at the Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala today.

Opting to bat first, Nepal scored 258-5 in their allotted 40 overs before Pakistan raced to 260-1 in 19.1 overs to record their second straight victory. Pakistan had defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets on Monday.

Nepal posted the fighting total riding on half centuries from Ramesh Bahadur Baniya and Padam Badaila. Baniya scored 59 runs off 72 balls that included two boundaries, while Badaila struck two fours in his 43-ball 50. Nepal made a blistering start with openers Baniya and Badri Chaulagain putting up 105 runs to put the team in good position. With contributions from other batsmen the team posted a challenging total but that was too little for the hosts. Chaulagain scored 47 runs off 61 balls hitting a four, while Khimananda Gaire remained unbeaten on 30 off 41 that included a boundary.

In reply, Pakistan achieved the target with ease after Badar Munir scored a quick-fire 57-ball 124 runs with the help of 26 boundaries. After Munir was retired hurt, Mohsin Khan scored an unbeaten 47-ball 74 hitting nine boundaries and Amir Ashfaq scored 46 not out off just 20 balls.

Pakistan’s Munir was named the man-of-the-match, while Nepal’s Padam Badaila was adjudged the most valuable player of the match and got Rs 10,000 Pakistani rupees.

Nepal will take on Bangladesh on Wednesday.