KATHMANDU: The hosts Netherlands won the first match of Twenty20 International Series with Nepal by 18 runs.

In the match played at VRA Ground in Amstelveen, the Dutch won the toss and chose to bat first and made 134 runs. They defended the 135-run target and restricted Nepal to 116 runs in 20 overs.

Nepal could make 116 runs only at the cost of seven wickets.

Opening batsman Gyanendra Malla contributed 24 runs, while Susbas Khakurel was out for meagre two.

Binod Bhandari made five runs only, while Rajesh Pulami and Sarad Vesawakar made 13 and 10 respectively before returning to the pavilion.

Skipper Paras Khadka played responsibly and made 45 off 42 not out to keep Nepal's hope alive till last moments. But his individual performance was not enough to save Nepal from the defeat.

Ahsaan Malik claimed three Nepali wickets while Timm van der Gugten sent two Nepali batsmen back to the pavilion. Likewise, Michael Rippon took one.

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Netherlands post 135-run target to Nepal in first match of T20I series

KATHMANDU: The Netherlands posted a 135-run target to Nepal in the first match of their T20 International Series at Amstelveen on Tuesday.

The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first.

Losing five wickets, the Dutch team made 134 runs in 20 overs.

Stephan J Myburgh contributed 67 runs and Michael JG Ribbon 25 to their team to post the the modest target against Nepal.

Nepal gave 11 extras. Basant Regmi sent two Dutch players back to the pavilion while debutant Karan KC claimed one wicket. Two Dutch players were run out.