KATHMANDU: Bangladesh have defeated Nepal by 44 runs in the T20I semi-finals held here, today.

With this loss, Nepal's hopes of winning a gold in cricket at the South Asian Games has come to an end while Bangladesh have secured a spot for themselves in the finals.

Nepal failed to chase 156 runs posted by Bangladesh in the first innings. Hosts Nepal made 111 runs at the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs.

Skipper Gyanendra Malla made the most runs for Nepal. He added 43 runs while vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airi made 16 runs. Likewise, Avinash Bohra contributed 13 runs where no other batsmen stepped on double-figures.

Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, Sumon Khan and Mehidy Hasan picked two wickets each for Bangadesh.

Bangladesh will now meet Sri Lanka for the finals.