Nepal’s dream to play 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifiers has almost been shattered as they suffered a 83 runs defeat at the hands of Hong Kong during the ICC World Cricket League Championship match at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok in Hong Kong on Friday.

Nepal won the toss and put Hong Kong to bat and in response, the hosts posted a target of 195 runs. But Nepal fell short by 83 runs as they were bundled out by the Hong Kong bowlers for a scanty total of 111 in 34.5 overs.

For the home side, JJ Atkinson top-scored 76 runs off 117 balls hitting nine boundaries and a six, while Tanwir Afzal contributed 38 runs from 42 balls including three boundaries and three sixes.

Likewise, skipper Babar Hayat scored 29 runs off 26 balls with two fours and a six.

Nepal's leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane claimed three wickets while Basanta Regmi and Karan KC grabbed two wickets each and Sushan Bhari claimed one wicket. 

In reply, Nepal started a disastrous run chase as opening batsman Sagar Pun was out for just three runs.

Skipper Paras Khadka scored highest 26 runs for Nepal, Arif Sheikh contributed 22 runs, Vice-Captain Gyanendra Malla made 21 runs, Binod Bhandari chipped in 18 and Sompal Kami 11. Other players filed to make double digit.

Ehsan Khan claimed highest five wickets for Hong Kong.

Nepal will play their second match against Hong Kong on Sunday.

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ICC WCLC: Hong Kong post 195-run target for Nepal 

Hong Kong have posted a 195-run target for Nepal in their ICC World Cricket League Championship match at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok in Hong Kong on Friday

Sent to bat first after losing the toss, the hosts were bundled out for 194 runs.

Nepal's leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane claimed three wickets while Basanta Regmi and Karan KC grabbed two wickets each and Sushan Bhari claimed one wicket.

For the home side, JJ Atkinson top-scored 76 runs off 117 balls hitting nine boundaries and a six, while Tanwir Afzal contributed 38 runs from 42 balls including three boundaries and three sixes.

Likewise, skipper Babar Hayat scored 29 runs off 26 balls with the help of two fours and a six.

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ALSO READ: WCLC: Nepal lose Vesawkar for crucial clash 

ICC World Cricket League Championship: Nepal playing against Hong Kong 

Nepal are playing against Hong Kong in their must-win matches of the ICC World Cricket League Championship at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok on Friday.

Nepal won the toss and decided to field first. Hong Kong have already lost seven wickets.

This is the last match of the sixth round.

Nepal, who have eight points from 10 matches, are sixth in the standing, while Hong Kong are fifth with 11 points.

Only the top four teams of the Championship will secure their berth for the 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifiers to be held in Zimbabwe.

Nepal last played Hong Kong in the ACC Emerging Teams Cup in Bangladesh where half centuries from Gyanendra Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee saw them win the match by seven wickets.

Sharad Bheswakar from Nepal will miss the matches against Hong Kong on Friday and Sunday due to illness.

Vesawkar is the second highest scorer for Nepal in the WCLC having made 321 runs from 10 innings.

Only skipper Paras Khadka (352) has score more than Vesawkar in the tournament.

Naresh Budhayer, who was named reserved, has been called up in place for Vesawkar and has already left for Hong Kong.