Nepal has suffered a back-to-back defeat in the Women’s T20I Tri-Series. They faced a four-wicket defeat in a close contest against Thailand at TU Cricket Ground.
Nepal, electing to bat first, managed to post 101/9 in their allotted 20 overs. They found themselves in deep trouble at 40/5 by the ninth over. However, Bindu Rawal and Kabita Kunwar stitched together a crucial 44-run partnership to steady the innings. Both batters scored 25 runs, with Bindu maintaining a better strike rate. After their dismissals, Nepal struggled in the death overs, adding only 17 runs in the final three overs. Earlier, Captain Indu Barma scored 15 runs while no other batters managed to cross a double-digit score.
Thipatcha Putthawong was a pick of a bowler for Thailand with three wickets (4-1-17-3). Maya and Boochatham also picked up two wickets each.
Thailand successfully chased the target with an over to spare, finishing at 102/6. Nepal remained competitive throughout, taking wickets at regular intervals, but Nannapat Koncharoenkai proved to be the game-changer. Despite wickets falling around her, she anchored the innings with composure. Thailand needed 21 runs from the final three overs and took control by scoring 14 off the 18th over against Rubina Chhetri. Koncharoenkai stayed unbeaten, hitting the winning runs and securing her second consecutive Player of the Match award with a brilliant 60*. Suwanan Khiaoto also contributed a valuable 14 runs.
Rubina Chhetri, Kabita Joshi and Kabita Kunwar picked up one wicket each for Nepal but Manisha Upadhyaya (4-0-13-2) was a pick of a bowler.
Nepal is competing in the series against two strong opponents, Thailand and the Netherlands, both of whom hold ODI status. The tournament follows a triple round-robin format, with the team finishing at the top of the table being crowned the champions.
At the end of the first round, Thailand leads the table with four points, while Nepal remains without a point after back-to-back defeats.
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