Nepal suffered the first defeat in three practice matches against the Canterbury Selection XI on Tuesday, losing the game by three wickets, ahead of their ICC World Cup Qualifiers in New Zealand.

The visitors, who have already beaten the same side twice, posted 207-9 in 50 overs at the Siddon Park. In reply, the home side completed the chase in 47.1 overs for the loss of seven wickets. 

Batting first, Nepali openers failed to establish a solid platform as Anil Mandal (9) was caught by Ben Rapson off Henry Shipley in the sixth over. Mandal’s opening partner Mahesh Chhetri (34) then shared a steady stand of 68 with Sagar Pun (44) taking the total to 89 in 23 overs before Pun was stumped out. 

Chettri was then caught by Greg Dawson off George Drake and his wicket started a collapse as the tourists lost their next five wickets for just 48 runs. Gyanendra Malla made 25 before being dismissed by Shipley while Sharad Vesawkar (5), Binod Bhandari (8) and Pradeep Airee (3) failed reach double figures as Nepal slipped to 168-8 in 46.4 overs. Prithu Baskota then blasted 45-ball 47 to propel Nepal to 207.

Shipley was pick of the Canterbury bowlers with 3-44 while Ben Rapson (2-32) and Morgan Jefferys (2-47) shared four wickets between them.

Defending a moderate total, Nepal’s bowlers contained Canterbury openers early on as they just managed 43 after 14 overs. Sagar Pun then picked up two quick wickets and Shakti Gauchan bowled Jack Boyle (35) as the hosts stumbled to 64-3 in 22nd over. 

Keiran Ambler then shared a 79-run stand with Jeff Case (26) for the fifth wicket to take Canterbury to 173 after 41 overs. Ambler played a vital knock of 63 to guide his team home. Rapson chipped in 22  as Canterbury completed the  chase in the 48th over. Sagar Pun took 3-37 and Shakti Gauchan 2-28 for Nepal.

Wicket-keeper batsman Subash Khakurel said that they made a few errors and it was important for the team to correct those mistakes ahead of their World Cup Qualifiers. “We lost wickets at regular intervals today and could not big total on the board,” added the Nepali batsman.