Jan 13, Kathmandu- The Nepali team, which has reached Malaysia to play the Women's U-19 Cricket World Cup, has suffered a 9-run defeat to the West Indies in its first practice match.

Nepal was defeated by 9 runs in the match held at the Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar Ground in Malaysia.

Chasing a target of 110 runs set by the West Indies, Nepal was all out in 20 overs and scored 100 runs. Simana KC scored 23 and Kiran Kunwar scored 18 runs for Nepal.

Earlier, West Indies scored 109 runs for the loss of 4 wickets while batting first.

Nepal is also scheduled to play a practice match against the United States on January 15 before playing the World Cup matches.

A 15-member team led by Pooja Mahato has reached Malaysia to play the World Cup. The Nepali team includes Pooja Mahato (captain), Soni Pakhrin (vice-captain), Sana Prabin, Jyotsnika Marsini, Kusum Godar, Alisha Kumari Yadav, Savitri Dhami, Krishma Gurung, Trisana BK, Kiran Kumari Kunwar, Riya Sharma, Rachana Chaudhary, Seema KC, Sneha Mahara and Anu Kadayat.

Nepal is in Group D of the World Cup. Group D includes Nepal, Australia, Bangladesh and Scotland. Nepal will play its first match against Bangladesh on January 18 and its second match against Scotland on January 20. Similarly, it is scheduled to play against Australia on January 22.

Sixteen countries are participating in this World Cup, which will begin in Malaysia on January 18. These include Nepal, hosts Malaysia, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Nigeria, Samoa, Scotland and the United States.