Captain Rohit Paudel scored a half-century as Nepal posted a 213-run target for the Maldives in their second match of the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on Sunday morning.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal lost opener Aasif Sheikh at just six runs in 2.3 overs. However, another opener Kushal Bhurtel held the innings for Nepal, scoring 35 runs off 18 balls with five hits to the fence and a six. Bhurtel fell in the lbw trap by Mohamed Miuvaan in 6.2 overs.

Binod Bhandari was the next batter to return to the pavilion, hitting 13 runs off 15 balls. Sundeep Jora was caught by Mohamed Miuvaan at five runs off Nazwan Ismail in 9.3 overs.

Skipper Paudel’s half-century and Kushal Malla’s 47 runs knock off 20 balls helped Nepal propel to 212 runs at the loss of seven wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Paudel made 52 runs off 27 balls with three fours and three sixes before being run out in 18.4 overs. Gulsan Jha made 35 runs off 21 balls.

Nazwan Ismail of the Maldives grabbed three wickets. Naseer Naail Ismail, Mohamed Miuvaan and Tholal Mohamed Raya took a wicket apiece.

Nepal rewrote the T20 International cricket history on September 27, shattering multiple records on the opening day of the men’s cricket competition in their sensational 273-run victory over Mongolia on Wednesday.