Nepal has won the first match against Hong Kong in the women’s T20I series involving four countries. Nepal defeated Hong Kong by six wickets.
In a match played at the Bayuemas Oval Cricket Ground in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, Hong Kong set Nepal a target of 85 runs. Nepal efficiently chased down the target in 15.5 overs, losing only four wickets in the process. Samjhana Khadka was the standout performer for Nepal, contributing an unbeaten 36 runs, including five boundaries in her 36-ball innings. Debutant Puja Mahato also made a valuable contribution with 16 runs, while captain Rubina Chhetry added 10 runs. Hong Kong contributed 13 extra runs to Nepal’s total.
Earlier in the game, Nepali team captain Rubina Chhetry won the toss and elected to field first. Hong Kong managed to post a total of 84 runs, losing all their wickets in 19.1 overs. Kary Chan was the top scorer for Hong Kong with 34 runs, and Shing Chan added 16 runs, but the other players struggled to make significant contributions. Nepal also conceded four extra runs to Hong Kong.
On the bowling front, Sita Rana Magar was the star for Nepal, claiming an impressive five wickets in her four-over spell while conceding only 16 runs. Sita was rightfully awarded the player of the match. Additionally, Indu Barma took two wickets, while Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, and Rubina Chhetry each picked up one wicket.
In another match of the women’s T-20I series, Malaysia defeated Kuwait by eight wickets.
This women’s T-20I series, which includes host Malaysia, Nepal, Hong Kong, and Kuwait, serves as crucial preparation for Nepal ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, scheduled to take place in Malaysia starting from August 31st.
