Kathmandu – Nepal defeated Malaysia by huge margin of 97 runs in the second match of ACC U-19 Women’s Championship being held in Kuwait.
Winning the toss, Nepal invited the Malaysia to field. Shilu Rijal and Anuradha Chaudhary opened the batting for Nepal.
Nepal made a brisk start with opening partnership of 36 runs which was broken as Anuradha was bowled by Mariana Lakie in 10th over. Indu Verma then joined Rijal for the second wicket partnership of 45 runs which eventually broke as Indu was bowled. Indu was bowled for 17 runs.
Captain Rubina Chhetri then entered but Shilu Rijal had to depart being bowled by Nursayaz in 16th over for 35 runs. Nepal was playing with 76 for 3 in 16th over. Rubina also couldn’t prove her batting as she returned to the pavilion with making only 3 runs.
Nepal had a slow progress from Mamta Chaudhary and Kavita Gautam. Nepal reached 116 in 22 overs, as Nur Nadhiirah struck her second wicket off Gautam, first wicket being of Chhetri. Sonu Khadka and Mamta Chaudhary then striking and placing the ball well, put up the total to 136 runs off alloted 25 overs in loss of 5 wickets. Mamta remained not out at 23 runs.
Few drops helped Nepal at the beginning as Anuradha, Shilu and Indu each were dropped once.
In reply, Rubina brought the charm in faces from her bowling, as she struck Yusrina for 2 runs in first over. Changing the bowling display, Rubina struck yet another wicket of Winifred in 5th over. Santoshi Kumari brought the momentum for Nepal as she bowled the captain Winifred for 13 runs in 8th over.
Nepal hold the innings towards own side as Malaysia was at a low score of 28 runs in 10 overs. Wicket-keeper Pratiksha Basyal the hit Nusyazwina for a run out in 11th over.
Aqilah’s was sooner yorked by Santoshi Kumari as Malaysia struggled with 28 for 5 in 12th over. Kavita Gautam bagged the wicket of Dewi Chunam next.
It looked easier for Nepal as Intan was bowled by Santoshi in 14th over. Malaysia couldn’t hold themselves as wickets started falling. Noratikah was the next to be bowled by Kavita Gautam.
Sanotoshi yet again yorked Nursyazwani as 9th wicket in 16th over as Nepal looked for a big win. It was a completely Nepal’s dominance over the game though Malaysia had for a few moments. The last WICKET falled to a bizarre run-out.
Santoshi Kumari, who was later adjudged the player of the match got 4 big wickets for Nepal. Rubina got 3 wickets.
Thus, Nepal restricted Malaysia to low 39 runs in 16.2 overs and won the match by 97 runs.
Nepal will take on UAE on Sunday.
