Few would have imagined Nepal’s age-group side would survive 50 overs while chasing a mammoth target of 325 runs set by Marylebone Cricket Club. But the young guns exceeded expectations only to fall short by 38 runs in the first 50-over match under the Lord’s Club Nepal Legacy Tour Programme played at Tribhuvan University ground in Kirtipur on Sunday.

Nepal made a blistering start to their innings by dealing in boundaries but were later restricted to 296-9. A concerted effort from almost all the batsmen saw Nepal put on course of their run chase. Hari Chauhan led Nepal’s reply with a half-century, while skipper Rit Gautam made 45 runs. Pratish GC (4) was the only batsman not to attain a double-figure.

Despite the loss, Nepal’s U19 head coach Binod Das was pleased with the boy’s approach to the game. “It was a great opportunity for the boys,” he said, while expressing his gratitude to the MCC. “Their exposure against a good side like MCC studded with experienced players will help them a lot.”

Opener Lokesh Bahadur Bam set the tempo for a brilliant chase, scoring 18 off 13 balls with the help of four boundaries before being out, caught by Yasir Arafat off Chris Wright. His opening partner and skipper Gautam, who had invited the MCC to bat after winning the toss, put Nepal in the hunt with Khadak Bahadur Bohara with brisk scoring. They put on 57 runs for the second wicket to take Nepal’s total to 83 before Bohara was dismissed for a run-a-ball 26.

Gautam and Bishal Bikram KC then took Nepal past the 100-run mark, being caught by Ed Young off Oliver Hannon Dalby for 45 runs off 58 balls. He hit three boundaries and a six. KC made 13, while Arun Airee scored 30.

Chauhan, the highest scorer for the home team, had the spectators still hoping for a surprise win before he was dismissed for 52 runs with the team total at 221-6. He hit five fours and a six in 60 balls before being removed by Westley.

Nepal then lost two quick wickets to find themselves at 234-8. Akash Chand raised Nepal’s hopes with some lofty hittings. He made 30 runs off 26 balls with the help of two sixes and a four, but the hosts’ chances fizzled with his dismissal. The last pair added two more runs as Nepal finished with 296-9.

Earlier, MCC, ‘the home of cricket’ club, made a solid start with the opening pair of Will Rhodes and Billy Godleman putting on 110 runs. The middle-order batsmen exploited the platform to pile more misery on Nepali bowlers as they cantered to 334-7 in 50 overs.

Rhodes top-scored with 93 runs from 83 balls before being caught by Airee off Sher Malla. He hit 13 fours and four sixes. Tom Westley and Miles Hammond were other major contributors, each making 65.

Malla grabbed his second wicket when he trapped Adams for a duck. Sagar Dhakal was the second Nepali bowler to have two wickets in the match as he removed Godleman and Will Vanderspar. Callum Jackson was the last wicket to fall for MCC when he was run out for six runs as Young remained unbeaten at 45 with his partner Yasir Arafat at four.

MCC’s tour manager Richard Greatorex was full of praise for Nepal’s youth outfit. “I think they are very very talented. They had us surprised with the way they were chasing our total. They were even ahead of the required run-rate for long periods of the game. It was a bit of a shock, to be honest,” Greatorex said, adding, “The approach to their game was exciting to see and we are thrilled with such optimism in a youth side.”