KATHMANDU: Nepal has won China by 5 runs under the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier held at Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok.

In the game played on Monday, Nepal gave a modest target of 78 runs to China. However, Nepali bowlers gave a hard time to Chinese batsmen to meet the target. Playing 20 overs, China could score only 72 runs, losing six wickets.

Earlier, Nepal had set a 78-run target for China at its fifth match. 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, while Sita Rana Magar made 11 runs off 25 balls. Likewise, 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 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 board in the qualifier, will be selected for the Global Qualifier.