Shooting guard Sadish Pradhan played a pivotal role, scoring 30 points with four three-pointer and five assists to help Nepal record first win in the first ever international match held on home court.

It was Nepal’s third victory over Maldives, the last two also coming during the first and second edition of the same tournament. The only time Nepal lost to the side was during the 2010 South Asian Games.

Nepal took time to settle in after Ilyas Ibrahim poured in two three-pointer in his nine points as Maldives build three point (22-19) lead with 2:22 minutes left in the first quarter. Binod Maharjan scored two and Sushil Gurung netted three points as Nepal gained upper hand for the first time leading 24-22 with one minute left in the first quarter that eventually ended  at 28-23.

Maharjan scored nine points in the first quarter with two rebounds, while Vinod Shrestha netted six and Gurung had five points.

Pradhan laid the foundation for the comprehensive victory scoring 17 points alone out of the 28 Nepal netted in the second quarter.

Sadish had two three-pointers in the second quarter where Maldives scored 20. With the hosts establishing a 12-point cushion, Maldives made the game easier for Nepal scoring just 13 points against 25 of the home team.

Nepal appeared to be heading for a biggest victory till date at 92-68 with 6:33 minutes left in the final quarter. But Mohammed Zilaale helped Maldives reduce the gap 13 points (92-79) with 4:49 left in the clock.

Rookie Ashim Shrestha then scored three two-pointer as Nepal improved their lead to 21-point (100-79) with 2:20 left of the clock. Zilaale scored 24 points in the final quarter where Maldives netted 33. He posted a match-high 31 with five three-pointers. Shrestha and Maharjan scored 16 points each, while Gurung netted 10.

Nepal coach Dinesh Nakarmi praised his side for their team effort. “Our boys took time to set their game and I believe we can return with even better game tomorrow (against Sri Lanka),” said the coach.

Nakarmi’s Maldivian counterpart Ibrahim Nahid said it was a nervous start for his team. “Nepali were playing quick and unfortunately we could not control the game,” said Nahid.

In another match of the day, the defending champions Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka 72-70 riding on 19 points from Mohammed Shamsuzzaman Khan Soyeb. Roshan Randima netted 24 points for Sri Lankan.

Earlier, Youth and Sports Minister Purushottam Poudel inaugurated the tournament that also includes South Asian giants India.