KATHMANDU, June 25: Nepal suffered a 14-run defeat at the hands of Middlesex County Cricket Club XI in the first practice match at the Radlett Cricket Club on Thursday.

Batting first, the second string team of the County club scored 164-4 in 20 overs and restricted Nepal for 150-7.

Sompal Kami reduced Middlesex to 17-1 in the third over when he bowled Cameron Steel (15), but Andrew Balbirnie and Ryan Higgins shared a 109-run partnership for second wicket to steer the team towards big total.

Balbirnie scored 72 off 45 balls with nine fours and a six, while Higgins made 38 off 42 balls that included three fours.

Stevie Eskinazi struck two fours and a six in his unbeaten 11-ball 23. Jitendra Mukhiya claimed 2-34 from his four overs, while Kami 1-9 from two.

In reply, Nepal made a disastrous start losing opener Sagar Pun (naught) in first over. Another opener Subash Khakurel and vice-captain Gyanendra Malla added 69 runs for the second wicket before two quick wickets jolted Nepali innings.

Malla was first to go, scoring 41 off 30 balls with six foursm while skipper Paras Khadka was bowled for a golden duck leaving Nepal at 71-3.

Khakurel then shared 53-run partnership with Sharad Vesawakar four the fourth wicket to give some hopes to the Nepali camp.

But three wickets in the space of 14 runs effectively ended Nepal’s chance of pulling a sensational victory. Vesawakar struck five fours in his 23-ball 32, while Pradeep Airee was out for naught and Khakurel was dismissed for 46 off 56 balls that included five fours.

Rajesh Pulami hit two fours in his unbeaten 17 off just eiht balls. Ravi Patel claimed three wickets, while Harry Podmore took two and Gurjit Sandhu grabbed a wicket for Middlesex.

Nepal will play three more practice matches in the UK before leaving for Amsterdam to play four-match Twenty20 International series against the Netherlands from June 30 to July 3.

Nepal will then head towards Ireland to participate in the ICC World T20 Qualifer slated for July 6-26 and will play ICC World Cricket League Championship matches against Scotland on July 29 and 31.