KATHMANDU: Nepal has set a 78-run target for China at its fifth match under the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier held at Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok on Monday.

Invited to bat first after losing the toss, Nepal scored 77 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing nine wickets. Right-hand batsman Kajal Shrestha top-scored with 18 runs including one four off 32 balls, Sita Rana Magar made 11 runs off 25 balls while Bindu Rawal contributed 10 runs off 16 balls.

In reply, China’s Han Lili and Wang Meng took two wickets each of Nepal giving away 14 and 14 and 13 runs respectively, while Li Haoye, Liu Jie and Wu Juan grabbed one wicket each, exerting pressure on its opponent team.

A total of seven countries – Thailand, Nepal, China, Hong Kong, UAE, Malaysia, and Kuwait – are taking part in the Qualifier. Each team will play six matches.

The team which is atop the score table after playing with each other in the qualifier will be selected for the Global Qualifier.

This qualifier would determine the raking of participating countries. Nepal will take on Kuwait on February 27 in the final match.