Nepal slipped to their third successive defeat in the Top End T20 Series in Australia, losing to Melbourne Stars Academy by 31 runs in Darwin, Australia, on Monday.

Chasing 176 for victory, Nepal managed only 144 for 7 in their 20 overs despite a solid knock from opener Aasif Sheikh. The wicketkeeper-batter made 53 off 49 balls with three fours and a six, but struggled to accelerate as the required run rate climbed.

Captain Rohit Paudel added 33 from 31, while opener Kushal Bhurtel provided a brisk start with 25 off 13 balls. But once the top order fell, Nepal’s middle and lower orders collapsed under pressure.

Melbourne Stars Academy’s Doug Warren (2-19) and Austin Anlezark (2-26) made timely breakthroughs, while Aryan Sharma and Chris Howe chipped in with one wicket each. Nepal’s chase fell away after the dismissals of Paudel and Aasif in the 16th over, losing four wickets for 25 runs in the space of three overs.

Earlier, the Stars Academy posted 175 for 7 after electing to bat first. Blake Macdonald was the standout with a fluent 74 off 47 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. He shared a 120-run stand for the second wicket with Thomas Rogers, who hit 65 off 46.

Nepal pulled things back late with Sandeep Lamichhane picking 3 for 26, while Sompal Kami and Shahab Alam claimed a wicket apiece. But Macdonald’s innings ensured the Stars set a challenging total.

Macdonald was named Player of the Match for his match-winning half-century.

Nepal, who have now lost to Northern Territory Strike, Melbourne Renegades Academy, and Melbourne Stars Academy, will look to turn around their form in the remaining group games of the series.