Opener Kushal Bhurtel cracked a half-century as Nepal posted a 225-run target for Nepal in their first match of a three-match bilateral one-day international series against Canada played at the TU Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Nepal made a shaky start, losing Aasif Sheikh at eight runs in 9.1 overs. Skipper Rohit Paudel was out for eight runs in 14.3 overs. Bhurtel, however, steadied the innings for Nepal making 68 runs off 58 deliveries, muscling nine hits to the fence and a six. The opener lost his wicket in 18.3 overs of the match.

Bhim Sharki was next to go to the pavilion at 17 runs followed by Kushal Malla (20), Aarif Sheikh (38) and Pawan Sarraf (15).

Sompal Kami produced late fireworks, hitting 27 runs with one four and two sixes, before being caught by Pargat Singh off a delivery by Uday Bhagwan to take Nepal to 224 runs losing all wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.

Uday Bhagwan claimed three wickets as Saad Bin Zafar and Ishwarjot Sohi took two wickets each.

Nepal won the toss and elected to bat first.

Nepal and Canada play their second ODI on Saturday and their third and last match on Monday.

The warm-up series will serve as a preparation for Monty Desai’s side, who are scheduled to host the Netherlands and Namibia in the opening Tri-series of the second edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 (2023-2027). The League 2—which also includes Canada, Scotland, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and the United States—forms part of a qualification process for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Canada begin their League 2 cycle against the UAE and Scotland in Dubai in March.

In the previous League 2 (2019-2023), Nepal finished third and qualified for the Cricket World Cup 2023 which was held in India.

Nepal kick off the Tri-series against Namibia on February 15, also at TU Cricket Ground.

Coach Desai has called up two separate squads for the bilateral series and League 2 Tri-Series—both under the captaincy of Paudel.