Nepalese bowlers were in top form as Nepal defeated Italy by five wickets in the ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 4 at the Pianora Ground on Sunday.

However, questions were raised in the batting department of the squad. Nepal chased a mere target of 72 runs losing five wickets.

In the rain-affected match, Amrit Bhattarai scalped three wickets and skipper Paras Khadka, Shakti Gauchan and Basanta Regmi took two wickets each as Italy were bundled out in just 71 runs.

With his knock of 16, H Jayasena score the highest runs for Italy.

In reply, Nepal lost Anil Mandal and Gynendra Malla in early overs. Mahesh Chettri, Shakti Gauchan and Paras Khadka also struggled in the bouncy astro-turf pitch.

In the other match of the day, USA defeated Tanzania by 10 wickets.

Nepal will play USA in the next match on Monday.