In a “do or die” match, Nepal defeated the UAE by 8 wickets to qualify for the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time.
This marks the first-ever World Cup appearance for any Nepali women’s cricket team at any level.
In the final game of the U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers, Nepal not only defeated the UAE but also surpassed them in net run rate, securing the qualification.
In the game, the UAE batted first, setting a target of 84 runs for Nepal. Nepal chased down this target in 16.2 overs, ensuring a clear path to World Cup qualification. Nepal reached the target in just 14.4 overs, losing only 2 wickets, achieving a historic success.
At the end of the four-team tournament, which included Nepal, the UAE, Thailand, and Kuwait, Nepal finished at the top of the standings. Both Nepal and the UAE won 5 games and lost 1, earning 10 points each. However, Nepal (net run rate 3.9353) stayed ahead of the UAE (net run rate 3.7403), winning the tournament and qualifying for the World Cup.
| # | Team | Mat | Won | Lost | N/R | Tie | Pts | Win % | Net RR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nepal U19 Women’s | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 83.33% | 3.9353 |
| 2 | UAE U19 Women’s | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 83.33% | 3.7403 |
| 3 | Thailand U19 Women’s | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 33.33% | -1.6530 |
| 4 | Kuwait U19 Women’s | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | -5.7250 |
In the chase, Nepal’s opener Sana Praveen made the highest contribution, scoring 35 runs off 42 balls with one boundary. Captain Puja Mahato scored 21 runs off 18 balls with 4 boundaries. Sony Pakhrin remained unbeaten on 13, while Sabitri Dhami added 12 runs.
Earlier, at the Sevens Stadium in Ajman, the UAE won the toss and opted to bat, posting a total of 83 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Samaira Dharnidharka scored the highest with 31 runs, while Ranitha Rajith contributed 20 runs. Lavanya Keny and Indhuja Nandakumar added 10 runs each.
Nepal’s bowler Krishma Gurung took 4 wickets for 17 runs in her 4 overs. Riya Sharma and Seemana KC claimed 2 wickets each.
The ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be held in Malaysia next year, from January 18 to February 2, 2025, with 16 teams participating.
In an earlier league stage match of the tournament, Nepal lost to the UAE by 13 runs, while winning the other four games, defeating Kuwait and Thailand twice each.
