Nepal failed to secure a spot in the Asia Cup after suffering a defeat to Malaysia in the semi-finals of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup.
In a gripping match held at Malaysia’s Bayuemas Oval, Malaysia clinched victory by four wickets, successfully chasing down Nepal’s target of 116 runs on the second last ball of the scheduled 20 overs.
Elsa Hunter proved to be the star performer for Malaysia, crafting an unbeaten half-century, scoring 69 runs off 53 balls, including six fours.
Noteworthy partnerships bolstered Malaysia’s innings, with Mas Elysa and Elsa Hunter contributing 27 runs in 36 balls for the third wicket, followed by a 36-run stand between Elsa Hunter and Mahirah Ismail off 37 balls for the fourth wicket.
KaBita Joshi and Sita Rana Magar shone with the ball for Nepal, each claiming two wickets.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal managed to post 115 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Captain Indu Barma led from the front with a gritty knock of 29 runs off 37 balls. She combined well with opener Kabita Kunwar, stitching together a 35-run partnership off 37 balls after an early setback of losing the first wicket at 10 runs. Kunwar contributed 23 runs off 31 balls before being run out. Rubina Chhetry chipped in with a brisk 20 off 18 balls, while the captain and Rubina added 33 runs off 31 balls for the third wicket.
Captain Barma and Dolly Bhatta added a crucial 21 runs in 16 balls for the fourth wicket, with Bhatta smashing 25 runs off just 14 balls, including one four and two sixes.
Mahira Ismail claimed two wickets, while Winifred took one wicket for Malaysia.
Following their triumph in the semi-final, Malaysia is set to face UAE in the final showdown on Sunday. UAE also booked their place in the final after defeating Thailand by a narrow margin of four runs in the first semi-final.
