KATHMANDU, Aug 31: Under the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, Nepal won its first match against Malaysia by five runs. Losing the toss and putting into batting first in the Kuala Lumpur-based Bayuemas Oval Cricket Ground today, Nepal posted a target of 85 runs against the host Malaysia. Nepal scored 84 at the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs.
Sita Rana Magar was not out with 38 with one four in 54 balls. Similarly, Apsari Begam made 17 followed by 12 from captain Rubina Chhetry Belbase. No other players except the three could make significant contributions to Nepal's run total. In return, Malaysia was restricted to a total of 79 runs at the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs.
Malaysia set 166-run target for Nepal
For Malaysia, captain Winifred Duraisingam contributed 28 runs followed by Ainna Hamizah's 14, and Mas Elysa's 10. Towards bowling, Ainna Hamizah took two wickets while Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Aisya Eleesa and Nik Nur Atilea took one wicket each. In the tournament, Nepal has been placed in the group 'A' along with Malaysia, Bahrain, Bhutan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The group 'B' comprises China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Kuwait and Myanmar. The two top teams from each group will qualify for the semi-final round and the top two teams making their way to the final will be eligible to compete in the Global T-20 qualifier scheduled to take place in 2024.
The Nepali team led by captain Chhetry includes Samjhana Khadka, Kajol Shrestha, Apsari Begam, Sita Rana Magar, Indu Barma, Kabita Kunwar, Kabita Joshi, Puja Mahato, Ashmina Karmacharya and Khusi Dangol. Nepal will meet Bahrain tomorrow on Friday.
