Kathmandu: In the first match of the Women’s T20 International Series involving four nations, Nepal emerged victorious against Hong Kong. Nepal defeated Hong Kong by six wickets. In her debut match, Nepali player Puja Mahato showcased excellent bowling and batting skills. She contributed 16 runs and took one wicket against Hong Kong.
Playing at the BioMaas Oval Cricket Ground in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Hong Kong had set a target of 85 runs for Nepal to win. Nepal successfully achieved the target in 15 overs with four wickets to spare. Samjhana Kumari Khadka made an unbeaten 36 runs for Nepal, hitting five boundaries. Additionally, Captain Rubina Chhetri Belbasi contributed 10 runs. Hong Kong provided Nepal with 13 extra runs.
Previously, Nepali team captain Rubina Chhetri Belbasi had won the toss and elected to field first. Hong Kong managed to score 84 runs, losing all their wickets in 19.1 overs. Among the Hong Kong players, Yung Chan scored 34 and Shin Yan Lam added 16 runs, while no other player could contribute significantly. Nepal gave away four additional runs to Hong Kong.
For Nepal, Sita Rana Magar took five wickets. She took four wickets in four overs, conceding only 16 runs. Sita was named the Player of the Match. Likewise, Indu Barma took two wickets, while Kavita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, and Rubina Chhetri Belbasi each took one wicket. In another match of the Women’s T20 International Series, played today, Malaysia defeated Kuwait by eight wickets.
Hosted by Malaysia, the Women’s T20 International Series features Nepal, Hong Kong, and Kuwait. This series, held from August 31, is part of Nepal’s preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, scheduled to take place in Malaysia.