Nepal national women’s cricket team suffered back-to-back defeat in their ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup preparatory tour as they lost to Sri Lanka Development Squad by four wickets in their second practice match at Surrey Village Cricket Stadium in Maggona on Wednesday.

Chasing 107 set by Nepal, Sri Lanka Development Squad overhauled the target in 19.5 overs losing six wickets.

The hosts needed 20 runs from their last two overs, and Malki Madara played an explosive six-ball 16 to guide her side to victory.

Senarathne and Imika Mendis had laid the foundation for the win with a 33-run opening stand. Senarathne scored 27 runs off 37 balls, while Mendis made 17 facing 21 deliveries.

Sandeepani contributed 19 runs.

Kritika Marasini, Kabita Joshi, captain Indu Barma and Sabnam Rai took a wicket apiece for Nepal.

Earlier, Nepal opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 106-7 from their 20 overs.

Kabita Kunwar top-scored for Nepal with 29 runs off 34 balls. Skipper Barma provided the next best score, hitting 28 off 43.

The duo also put on a 32-run stand for the second wicket after opener Shamjhana Khadka departed making 11 in the 2.5 overs.

Rubina Chhetri (6), Kabita Joshi (4), Dolly Bhatta (1) and Bindu Rawal (8) could not do much with the bat.

Dewmi Vihanga was the pick of Sri Lanka Development Squad bowling, taking 3-20. Sandeepani took 2-13, while Tharika Sewwandi and Sandinu Nisansala pocketed one wicket each.

Nepal had lost their first practice match by 33 runs on Tuesday.

Nepal play their third and final warm up game against the same opponents next Tuesday.

The preparatory series will serve as Nepal’s preparation for the upcoming 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup, which is set to take place from July 19 to July 28 in Dambulla.

Nepal, drawn in Group A, will open their Asia Cup against the United Arab Emirates on July 19. They play their next group matches against 2012 and 2016 runners-up Pakistan on July 21 and holders and record seven-time champions India on July 23.

Group B includes 2018 champions Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand.

Nepal are making their third appearance at the Women’s Asia Cup.

They previously played the biennial competition in 2012 in China and 2016 in Thailand.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, which will be played on July 26.

The final will be played on July 28.