The Nepalese national women’s cricket team faced a loss in the first match of the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Pakistan A defeated Nepal by nine runs after a poor batting display.
Chasing a target of 88 runs, Nepal had a sluggish start despite not losing a wicket. They were 16 for no loss after the powerplay, which turned to 32 for two after the halfway mark. Nepal eventually managed 78/6 at the end of the allotted 20 overs. Opener Kabita Kunwar scored the highest 20 runs, while Kabita Joshi added an unbeaten 15 runs. Other batters couldn’t cross double-digit scores for Nepal. Kunwar was also adjudged Player of the Match for her all-round performance (20 runs and two wickets) despite Nepal’s defeat.
For Pakistan A, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tuba Hassan grabbed a couple of wickets each. Umm-e-Hani (4-1-10-1) and Anosha Nasir also bagged one wicket each.
Earlier, Invited to bat first at Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok, Pakistan A couldn’t reach three figures after a terrific bowling display from Nepal. They were wrapped up for 87 in 19.2 overs. Opener Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scored with 28 runs, while skipper Fatima Sana scored 16 before being the last batter to be dismissed.
Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shamas also contributed 12 and 11 runs, respectively. The match was once interrupted due to the rain.
For Nepal, Indu Barma was the pick of a bowler with a figure of 3-1-6-3. She had the opportunity to take a hat-trick in the 19th over after dismissing two batters in the consecutive balls, but Jyoti Pandey was unable to hold on to a diving catch to complete a tremendous achievement. Kabita Kunwar, Kabita Joshi and Sita Rana Magar also pocketed two wickets each for Nepal.
The Nepalese side will face India A in the next match on June 15.
Nepal were eligible to play in the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup after Thailand’s withdrawal, citing visa issues.
