Nepal’s ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024 campaign comes to an end with a heavy defeat against India. The Nepalese side suffered an 82-run defeat in the final group-stage game.
Chasing a daunting target of 179 runs, Nepal completed their allotted 20 overs with 96/9. The Nepalese side had little chance of overcoming such a large score against the formidable Indian team. By the end of the powerplay, Nepal was at 31/2, having lost Samjhana Khadka (7) and Kabita Kunwar (6).
The third wicket stand of 22 runs between Sita Rana Magar and Indu Barma was the highest for Nepal. Sita top-scored with 18 whereas Indu made 14. Rubina Chhetri came and notched up 15 before Puja and Kabita Joshi were sent back cheaply. Dolly Bhatta (5) playing her first match and Kajal Shrestha (3) getting to bat first time were unable to do any special. Meanwhile, Bindu Rawal remained unbeaten for 17 runs.
Deepti Sharma was a pick of a bowler for India, picking up three wickets (4-0-13-3). Radha Yadav and Anuradhati Reddy picked up two wickets each.
Earlier, India posted a big total, thanks to Shafali Verma’s brilliant batting performance. After choosing to bat first at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, India posted 178/3.
The opening pair got off to a fantastic start, sharing a century partnership. Shafali Verma played an explosive innings while Hemalatha provided solid support. Together, they added 122 runs in 14 overs before Hemalatha was dismissed for 47. Shafali followed a couple of overs later, but the damage was already done. She smashed 81 runs off 48 balls, including 12 fours and one six.
Nepal controlled the run flow in the middle overs. However, Jemimah Rodrigues scored quick runs in the death overs. She hammered 28 runs from 15 balls to help India post a decent total.
For Nepal, Sita Rana Magar was a pick of a bowler with a decent figure of 4-0-25-2. Kabita Joshi got one wicket whereas other went wicketless and were a bit expensive as well.
The Nepalese side registered a historic first-ever win in the Women’s Asia Cup history in the first game against UAE. They suffered a nine-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the second game.
Related stories
Nepal Women Cricketers corner glory
Nepal Women’s Cricket Team secures historic spot in T20 World Cup Global Qualifier
Nepal qualify for super 3 of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier
Nepal women secure crucial win over Bahrain to keep Super three hopes alive
Nepal’s qualification hopes dim after narrow loss to Hong Kong
