Nepal women's kabaddi team handed a 21-17 defeat to the visiting Bangladesh side in Kathmandu today, wrapping up the five-match series 3-1 with a game in hand.

With a win in the third match, Bangladesh made it 2-1 in the series and had the opportunity to be on level terms with a win in today's game. However, Nepal showed their superiority and sealed the series in a convincing manner.

Bangladesh did make a good start in the game, securing three points. Even after going into the break trailing 9-10, Bangladesh staged a strong fightback to be locked at 14-14 at one stage of the match. However, the experienced Nepalese side managed to secure a win.

Bangladesh coach Shahnaz Parvin Maleka blamed poor refereeing for the defeat.

"Our girls played well from the outset as they were securing points by raid as well as bonus points. But the referee did not award us the bonus point," alleged Maleka, adding that the referee also blew the final whistle two minutes before the scheduled time, favouring the home side.