Nepal lost an opportunity to book semi-final berth on Friday as they lost to Bangladesh by six wickets in their ICC U-19 World Cup quarter-final match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur Bangladesh.

Electing to bat first, Raju Rijal’s 80-ball 72 guided Nepal to a respectable total of 211-9 in 50 overs. Nepal did well in their defence, restricting the hosts to 98-4 before a match-winning 117-run unbroken stand between Zakir Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Miraz took the game away from them in the 49th over.

The win took Bangladesh to their first ever ICC U-19 World Cup semi-finals.

Despite missing out on a historic last four spot, Nepali colts were showered with words of praise for the fight they gave to a settled Test playing side.

It was Bangladesh who were put under massive pressure before Zakir and Mehedi stole the show.

“We are disappointed by the result but very proud of the effort put in by the team. There are lots of positives we can take from here,” said Nepal’s assistant coach Binod Das.

Former national team skipper Das was not the only one appreciating Nepal’s effort.

At the post-match presentation, Bangladeshi skipper Mehedi Hasan also lauded Nepali cricketers. “I think Nepal played a very good game. They did their best with both bat and ball. They are a very good side that we have beaten today,” said Mehedi who walked away with the man-of-the-match award.