Hosts Nepal failed in the batting department as they lost the first of the three-match One-Day series against Zimbabwe 'A' by three wickets at the TU Cricket ground in Kirtipur on Friday.

Put into bat first, Nepal were bowled out for a meagre total of 136 runs before Zimbabwe managed 137-7 in 26 overs on the back of an unbeaten 48 runs by opener Innocent Kaia.

All-rounder Sompal Kami contributed 30 runs, the highest of the Nepal innings, in his knock of 70 balls. Coming to bat at number six, Kami hit two boundaries and a six before he was caught by Tadiwanashe Marumani off Cephas Zhuwao.

All-rounder Karan KC, opener Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee were the other batters for the home team to manage double digit figures as Nepal lost other batters cheaply. KC struck 25 off 36 that included three boundaries. He was caught by Victor Nyauchi off Zhuwao.

Opener Bhurtel contributed 19 runs from 10 deliveries while Airee scored 18 off 20. Airee hit four fences before he was bowled by Nyauchi. Airee, who hit three fences, was caught by wicketkeeper Clive Madande.

Pacer Brad Evans was the pick of Zimbabwe bowling claiming four wickets. The player-of-the-match conceded 27 runs in his 8.3 overs bowling. Brandon Mavuta, Nyauchi and Zhuwao shared two wickets each.

In the run chase, openers Kaia played ball-a-run 48 remaining not out and Zhuwao scored 32 off 29 to build the foundation for victory. Kaia smashed four boundaries and a maximum. Zhuwao hit three fences and two sixes. He was caught by KC off captain Sandeep Lamichhane.

Roy Kaia, who came to bat at number four, scored 14 runs facing 17 deliveries. He hit two boundaries before he was caught by Mohammad Aadil Alam off Lamichhane. Though Zimbabwe lost four other batters in quick succession, Evans contributed unbeaten 17 runs facing 19 deliveries and finished the match with a boundary. He hit two sixes and a boundary to Sushan Bhari in the last delivery of the 26th over to guide the visitors to victory.

Leg spinner Lamichhane and medium pacer KC grabbed two wickets each while Kami and Sagar Dhakal took one wicket each. Lamichhane conceded 32 runs in his 10-over spell including a maiden. KC gave away 30 runs in his five overs.

The second match is scheduled for Saturday before the final match takes place on Monday. The two sides also played three-match Twenty20 series which finished in a 1-1 tie.

Nepal are playing hosts to Zimbabwe 'A' for a three-match T20 and One-day series to fine tune their preparations for the upcoming Triangular Series of the ICC World Cup League 2 to be held in the USA from June 6 to 16.