Top End T20: Nepal A suffer eight-wicket defeat to NT Strike

Nepal A began their Top End T20 campaign with an eight-wicket defeat against hosts NT Strike in Darwin on Friday.

After being asked to bat first, Nepal A made 122 for eight from their 20 overs at DXC Arena 1.

Pawan Sarraf was Nepal’s leading scorer with 41 from 49 deliveries. Lokesh Bam made 16, while Narayan Joshi added 15.

Nepal struggled to accelerate during the innings and were restricted to a modest total despite Sarraf’s effort in the middle order.

NT Strike chased down the target of 123 in 15 overs, finishing on 126 for two.

Jordan Silk top-scored for the hosts with an unbeaten 42, while Douwtjie Hoogenboezem finished unbeaten on 40 from 37 balls.

Pawan Sarraf was Nepal’s most effective bowler, taking both of NT Strike’s wickets.

The result gives NT Strike an early advantage in the league stage, while Nepal will now look to respond in their second match of the tournament.

Nepal A will face Bangladesh High Performance in their next match on Saturday, 22 August.