Kathmandu, Aug. 31 -- Sandeep Lamichhane marked his return as Nepal captain with a five-wicket haul as Nepal crushed Bahrain by seven wickets in their opening match of the ACC Men's Premier Cup on Monday.

Sent in to bat after losing the toss at the YSD UKM Cricket Oval in Bangi, Malaysia, Bahrain were bowled out for 87 in 36.2 overs. Nepal chased down the target in just 21 overs.

Arjun Kumal top-scored for Nepal with an unbeaten 36, while former captain Rohit Paudel remained not out on 19. Kumal faced 58 balls and struck five fours. Paudel hit one four and one six in his 14-ball innings.

Aasif Sheikh made 18 before being dismissed by Imran Javed Anwar. He faced 25 balls and hit two fours and a six. Dev Khanal was out for 10, caught nea...