The Nepal U19 Women’s cricket team faced a challenging match against the UAE in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, marking their first defeat in the tournament. The match, which took place recently, saw Nepal falling short by 13 runs, a significant setback in their quest for World Cup qualification.
In this double round-robin tournament, four teams are competing for the coveted spot in the upcoming World Cup. The stakes are high, and every match counts. Nepal was chasing a target of 123 runs set by the UAE, but they concluded their innings at 109 runs for the loss of five wickets, falling just short of the target.
Puja Mahato emerged as a standout performer for Nepal, scoring an impressive 48 runs off 43 balls. Despite her valiant effort, the team struggled to build partnerships, with Sana Prabeen and Sony Pakhrin contributing 19 runs each. Jyotsnika Marasini added a run-a-ball 11 runs, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory for Nepal.
The UAE, who opted to bat first, posted a total of 122 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Initially, they appeared to be on track for a much larger score, reaching 78 runs for the loss of 2 wickets by the 11th over. However, Nepal’s bowlers tightened their grip in the latter half of the innings, allowing only 44 runs while claiming five wickets.
Nepal’s bowlers made a strong start, taking an early wicket in the first over. The UAE found themselves in a precarious position at 12 runs for 2 wickets by the fourth over. However, a crucial partnership between Lavanya Keny and Rinitha Rajith steadied the innings. The duo added 66 runs for the third wicket, with Rinitha Rajith scoring a notable 48 runs off 33 balls, while Lavanya contributed 20 runs.
Riya Sharma was the standout bowler for Nepal, delivering an exceptional performance with figures of 3 wickets for just 15 runs in her four overs. Other bowlers, including Puja Mahato, Krishma Gurung, and Seemana KC, chipped in with one wicket each, showcasing a collective effort from the bowling unit.
Looking ahead, Nepal’s next match is scheduled against Thailand on November 10. The team will be under pressure to secure victories in their remaining matches and improve their standing in the points table. To surpass the UAE, they will need to not only win but do so by significant margins.
This tournament is critical for the Nepal U19 Women’s team as they aim to qualify for the World Cup, and every match will be a test of their skills and resilience. Fans and supporters are hopeful that the team can bounce back from this defeat and deliver strong performances in the upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates on Nepal’s journey in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier as they strive for success on the international stage.
