Scotland lose to Nepal by five wickets in Texas

Scotland paid the price for a disappointing batting display as they suffered a five-wicket defeat by Nepal in their one-day international in Texas.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, Scotland were bowled out for just 154 in 41.4 overs, with Nepal then cruising to their victory target with 121 balls to spare.

Scotland were still in with an outside chance when Brandon McMullen dismissed captain Rohit Paudel to reduce Nepal to 63 for four.

But Aarif Sheikh’s partnerships with Khushal Bhurtel and Gulshan Jha sealed a comprehensive win.

Sheikh hit eight boundaries on his way to a total of 51 not out from 42 balls, while Jha produced three fours and a six as he made 25 not out from 30 deliveries in an unbroken stand of 57.

Scotland’s innings had got off to a nightmare start when opener Charlie Tear was bowled from the fifth ball of the first over from Karan KC, who later trapped Michael Leask lbw and finished with figures of two for 26.

Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took three for 45 from his 10 overs, while Mark Watt top-scored for Scotland with 34 from 40 balls, including three sixes.