Kathmandu, Feb. 8: Nepal has made a winning start in the  One Day International (ODI) Bilateral Series, defeating Canada by seven  runs in the match played at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.

Nepal won the toss, opting to bat first and scored a total of 225 runs for the loss of all ten wickets within the allocated 50 overs. Batting back, Canada managed to score only 217 runs before being bowled out in 47.5 overs.

Opener Kushal Bhurtel contributed a solid 62 runs to the team’s total, while Bhim Sarki added a valuable 17 runs.

Kushal Malla contributed 20 runs, alongside Aasif Sheikh and captain Rohit Poudel, who both scored eight runs each.

Additionally, Aarif Sheikh, Pawan Saraf, and Sompal Kami made significant contributions with 38, 15, and 27 runs respectively.

On the bowling front, Uday Bhagwan claimed three wickets, while Saad Bin Zafar and IS Shoi secured two wickets each for Canada.

The 2nd ODI is scheduled for February 10 and the 3rd ODI for February 12.