Kurunegala—who were 347 all out on the first day—are 129-6 in the second innings at stumps with Madawa Warnapur batting on 24 and Darshana Mahawatia on five. Sagar Pun got rid of first innings centurion Minod Banuka for just 11 runs followed by a prized scalp of set batsman Gayan Maneeshan. Maneeshan scored 63 off 73 with seven boundaries and two sixes. Karan KC, Som Pal Kami, skipper Paras Khadka and Rajesh Pulami also picked up one wicket each for Nepal.

Earlier, Nepal failed to cope with the accurate Kurunegala bowling losing their seven wickets for just 82 runs. Naresh Budhayer and Magar—who made debut for the national team with Karan KC—were dismissed for ducks. Opener Subash Khakurel (four), Anil Mandal (12), Binod Bhandari (six) and Sagar Pun (three) all fell cheaply.

Captain Khadka and No 9 batsman Kami saved Nepal’s blushes adding 49 runs for the eighth wicket. Khadka completed his half century and when he was dismissed for 59, even posting 150 looked a far cry. Kami, however, prolonged Nepal’s innings with two modest partnerships. Kami put on 25 runs with Bhuwan Karki (15) and another 29 with KC (9) before being the last man dismissed. Kami was unfortunate to fall one run short of his half century. He hit three sixes and four boundaries in his 95-ball knock. Khadka’s 110-ball innings included seven hits to the fence.