Nepal XI gained an upper hand on the first day of their two-day match against visiting MCC at the Tribhuvan University Stadium on Saturday.

Put in to bat first, Rajesh Pulami Magar made a patient half century before Nepal XI declared their innings at 228-8 in 39.5 overs after skipper Neil Dexter and Richard Wilkinson picked up three wickets apiece. MCC were 72-5 in 18 overs before stumps were called.

Karan KC picked up three wickets for the hosts, while veteran left arm spinner Shakti Gauchan also picked up two wickets. Dexter is unbeaten on 21 off 31 with four boundaries and he will be joined by Wilkinson (naught) when the second day’s play begins on Sunday.

Earlier, Nepal XI got off to a decent start when openers Subash Khakurel and Naresh Budhayer began with a 66-run opening wicket stand. Nepal XI, which is being led by Khakurel, then lost five wickets in a space of 18 runs to get reduced to 84-5. The collapse began with Khakurel’s caught behind off Dexter.

Dexter followed the success with the scalps of Pradeep Airee (four) and Dilip Nath (duck) before Wilkinson removed another set batsman Budhayer and Gauchan (five). Magar then pushed Nepal XI towards a respectable total adding 88-run sixth wicket partnership with Dipendra Airee.

Wilkinson broke the partnership dismissing Magar for 60 off 103 balls that included 10 boundaries. Airee made 33 off 71 with five fours. Khakurel also chipped in 333 off 57 with six hits to the fence, while Budhayer’s 87-ball 32 also included six boundaries.

Karan KC provided a late blitz remaining unbeaten on 28 off 38 balls that included three fours and a six. KC shared 43 runs for the eighth wicket with Bikram Sob (16) before Nepal declared their innings.