Nepal slumped to a second defeat in a row in the Namibia-Nepal-Scotland Tri Series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 after they lost to hosts Namibia by 86 runs in Windhoek on Wednesday.

Chasing a target of 276, Nepal were all out for 189 in 46.5 overs, thanks to another batting flop at the United Cricket Club Ground.

Namibia, who were sent in to bat first after losing the toss, had posted 275-7 that was inspired by a century from Michael van Lingen and a fifty from captain Gerhard Erasmus.

Lingen blasted 119 in his 111-ball knock featuring 15 fours and one six, while Erasmus cracked 53 runs facing 76 deliveries after the openers Lo-handre Louwrens (14) and Divan la Cock (18) departed leaving them at 2-34 in the 11th over.

Lingen and Erasmus pair also shared a 99-partnership to lay the foundation for victory for the hosts.

Sompal Kami reached a milestone of 50 ODI wickets after he finally ended Lingen’s defiance in the third delivery of the 49th over.

Kami’s 2-53 also included the wicket of opener Cock.

Nepal’s pick bowler Lalit Rajbanshi, who pocketed four wickets giving away 36 runs in his 10-over bowling spell, removed Erasmus to finally break the partnership in the 33.1 overs.

But Lingen continued the onslaught, sharing a century partnership with Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, who smashed 40 off 32 balls, to guide Namibia to a good total.

Rajbanishi had Loftie-Eaton caught by Dipendra Singh Airee in the 43.4 overs.

Sagar Dhakal also picked a wicket for Nepal.

In reply, Kushal Bhurtel partnered with opener Arjun Saud replacing Aasif Sheikh to start the innings.

But JJ Smit (2-18) struck early, removing Bhurtel for a cheap three following a terrific work behind the stumps from wicket keeper Zane Green.

The pacer soon sent back Aasif (7), caught by Louwrens, as Nepal were 22-2 in the eighth over.

Saud scored 29 but was next to depart, run out in the 17.5 overs.

Van Lingen then bowled former captain Gyanendra Malla (30) in the next over to put Nepal in big trouble at 76-4.

Captain Rohit Paudel added 44 and Dipendra Singh Airee made 34 to lead the resistance with a half-century partnership for the fifth wicket.

But Trumpelmann and Pikky Ya France made sure Nepal’s fight back went in vain, removing the pair as Nepal surrendered the match.

The win—their second in the home Tri Series—sent Namibia to the third with 37 points from 30 matches in the seven-team League 2 standings. The hosts had defeated Scotland by three wickets on Monday. The series opening match between Nepal and Namibia on Friday yielded no result after the rain washed out the second innings.

A second defeat in Windhoek means Nepal remain in the six position with just 18 points from 23 matches.

Scotland lead the standings with 44 points from 31 games.

Nepal take on Scotland in their second leg and last match of the Tri Series on Thursday.

Nepal are looking to secure their qualification in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers in Zimbabwe next year.

But, with the batting inconsistencies always a problem in the squad, the Rhinos are instead facing a danger of losing their One-Day status. The top five teams will keep the ODI status.

The top three sides at the end of League 2 cycle will qualify for the Zimbabwe qualifiers.

The bottom four sides will enter the qualifier playoffs—a repechage event to the Global Qualifier—and will be joined by the winner of Challenge League A and B.

The top two teams from the playoff will keep their hopes alive of participating in India 2023.