Kathmandu, Sept. 8 -- Nepal suffered their first defeat in the ACC Men's Premier Cup on Tuesday, losing to Hong Kong, China, by 15 runs at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

Chasing 262, Nepal were bowled out for 246 in 49.1 overs despite a fighting 90 from Ishan Pandey. Nepal had won their three Group A matches and had already secured a place in the semifinals.

Hong Kong, batting first after winning the toss, posted 261/7, led by an unbeaten 117 from former captain Babar Hayat. Hayat, who had retired hurt in the 12th over after feeling unwell, returned to the crease at 80/5 and transformed Hong Kong's innings.

He struck seven fours and seven sixes in his 126-ball knock and put on 128 runs for the seventh wicket with Ehsan Khan...