The Nepalese national women’s team has failed to qualify for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Nepal women were defeated by Malaysia women in the thrilling semifinal of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup, confirming Nepal’s exit. Malaysia and UAE will play in the final on February 18 at Bayuemas Oval.
The qualification for the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 was at stake for the top two teams in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup. Malaysia and UAE secured their spots by winning their respective semifinal matches. UAE defeated Thailand by four runs in the first semifinal whilst Malaysia emerged victorious by four wickets against Nepal in the interesting second semifinal.
Opting to bat first at Bayuemas Oval, Nepal posted a decent total of 115/6 in the allotted 20 overs. Indu Barma top-scored with 29 runs from 37 balls whilst Kabita Kunwar and Rubina Chhetri made 23 runs (31 balls) and 20 runs (18 balls respectively). It was Dolly Bhatta who boosted Nepal’s inning. She came to the crease in the 16th over and hammered 14-ball 25 with one four and two sixes.
In response, Malaysia chased the target in 19.5 overs losing six wickets. Elsa Hunter was the star of the thrilling chase. Hunter scored 69 runs from 53 balls (with six boundaries) to singlehandedly snatch a win from Nepal. Apart from that, Mahirah Izzati Ismail scored 13 whilst Wan Julia scored nine-ball 11. Malaysia were 42/3 after 10 overs but they managed to get over the line.
For Nepal, Kabita Joshi and Sita Rana Magar picked up two wickets each. Rubina Chhetri and Kabita Kunwar also grabbed one wicket each.
