\u201cI think Italy outplayed us today, and in batting, I think we missed out, especially. That was not a 123 wicket. I thought we missed out on that. And it was tough early. Earlier, it was tough to bat, but still, I think 123 was not a disgrace,\" he said in the post-match presentation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nepal were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs before Italy chased down the target in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket, courtesy of an unbeaten 124-run opening stand between Justin and Anthony Mosca. This is Nepal's second ten-wicket defeat in T20Is after losing against the West Indies in the same way in 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Nepal skipper felt his side let the game slip during the middle overs despite a steady Power-play. \u201cWe were looking at around 61, 70, and we batted very poorly, and there's no way to accept that. I thought we didn't respect the conditions. It was tough in the beginning, and we played a few rash shots, and I think my wicket was the turning point.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paudel, who had stitched together a good partnership after an early setback, believed his dismissal shifted the momentum entirely. Skipper scored 23 runs in 14 balls. He was looking in great touch from the start.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe had a good partnership, we played well in the Power-play and then when I got out, suddenly things started changing. So I thought that was the turning wicket and we could have done better than that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nepal had entered the contest high on confidence after an impressive performance against England in their previous match, but Paudel admitted the inconsistency was disappointing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe had a good partnership, we played well in the Power-play and then when I got out, suddenly things started changing. So I thought that was the turning wicket and we could have done better than that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After two losses in their opening matches, Nepal will now face the West Indies in a do-or-die match on February 15 at the same ground.<\/p>\r\n\r\n