Kathmandu, Aug. 19 -- Nepal put up a challenging total of 180-7 in their 20 overs against Hobart Hurricanes Academy in the 18th match of the Top End T20 series at Cazalys Arena, Palmerston. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal's innings had its share of starts and stops, with contributions across the batting order.

Kushal Bhurtel got the innings going with a brisk 27 off 20 balls, striking four boundaries before falling to Marcus Bean. Aasif Sheikh followed with 29 off 28 deliveries, but his dismissal by Nivethan Radhakrishnan at 77-2 slowed the momentum. Bhim Sharki added 18 runs, and captain Rohit Paudel was dismissed for 9 as Nepal's top order struggled to accelerate consistently.

Aarif Sheikh was the standout for Nepa...