Nepal suffered a 55-run defeat against Sri Lanka in their opening match of the U-19 Asia Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Friday.

Needing 234 for victory, Nepal U-19 team faltered against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack and were all out for 178 in 46.2 overs despite a half century from Mayen Yadav.

Nepal made a fine start to their chase, with openers Aakash Tripathi and Mayen adding 39 runs for the opening stand.

However, Tripathi’s dismissal for 19 in the 11th over started a collapse, with Arjun Kumal (12), Santosh Yadav (10) also departing soon.

Mayan Yadav played a 62-ball knock facing 91 deliveries to take Nepal past 100 total after 29.2 overs but his removal by Praveen Maneesha (trapped lbw) left Nepal helpless.

Mayen hit three fours and two sixes.

Roshan Bishwakarma (5), Naren Bhatta (12) also departed soon.

Uttam Magar (17) and Naren Saud (16) tried to keep up with the chase but could not guide Nepal closer to the target.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 233 from the allotted 50 overs riding on half-centuries from Sharujan Shanmuganathan and Lakvin Abeysinghe.

Despite a slow start, Shanmuganathan’s 99-ball 62 and Abeysinghe 50 off 53 took them to 167-3 in 20.3 overs and when it looked like the Lankans were heading for a big total, Santosh took both dangermen Shanmuganathan and Abeysinghe to halt the opponents’ progress.

Santosh, who had also dispatched Vimath Dinsara for 24, also took the wicket of Maneesha to complete an outstanding four-wicket haul (4-30).

Kavija Gamage then played 37 not out to ensure Sri Lanka finish their innings with a fightable total.

Nepal play their next Group B match against Bangladesh on Sunday, followed by a clash against Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Bangladesh started their Asia Cup with a commanding 45-run victory over Afghanistan in Dubai.

Pakistan and India open the Group A battle with a blockbuster clash on Saturday in Dubai. Hosts United Arab Emirates are against Japan in Sharjah.