Nepal suffered their first defeat in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup on Tuesday, losing to Hong Kong, China, by 15 runs at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

Chasing 262, Nepal were bowled out for 246 in 49.1 overs despite a fighting 90 from Ishan Pandey. Nepal had won their three Group A matches and had already secured a place in the semifinals.

Hong Kong, batting first after winning the toss, posted 261/7, led by an unbeaten 117 from former captain Babar Hayat. Hayat, who had retired hurt in the 12th over after feeling unwell, returned to the crease at 80/5 and transformed Hong Kong’s innings.

He struck seven fours and seven sixes in his 126-ball knock and put on 128 runs for the seventh wicket with Ehsan Khan, who made 35 off 46.

Nepal’s chase got off to a poor start after Arjun Kumal fell for 14. Aasif Sheikh (44), Dev Khanal (6) and Rohit Kumar Paudel (3) followed, leaving Nepal at 88/4.

Pandey and Dipendra Singh Airee (25) briefly steadied the innings with a 54-run partnership, but Nepal continued to lose wickets. Pandey was eventually dismissed for 90 off 106 balls in the 49th over.

Captain Sandeep Lamichhane took four wickets for Nepal, while Sher Malla claimed three. Hong Kong’s Aizaz Khan took four wickets.

Nepal will face Oman in Thursday’s semifinal, while Hong Kong meet the UAE.