KATHMANDU: Nepal faced a heavy 78-run defeat against Thailand in their final match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier Super 3 stage, finishing as runners-up.
With the win, Thailand remained unbeaten and clinched the Asia Qualifier title.
Both teams had already secured their places in the Global Qualifier prior to this match.
Batting first, Thailand posted a strong total of 158 runs for the loss of just two wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Nepal could only manage 80 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs.
Kabita Kunwar was Nepal’s top scorer with 24 runs, while Rajmati Airee remained unbeaten on 20. Rubina Chhetry contributed 12 runs. Thailand’s Onnicha Kamchomphu was the standout bowler, taking a hat-trick and finishing with 4 wickets. She dismissed Roma Thapa, Ishwori Bist, and Riya Sharma in the 19th over. Thipatcha Putthawong picked up 3 wickets, and Suleeporn Laomi took 1.
For Thailand, openers Natthakan Chantham and Nannapat Koncharoenkai both scored 50 runs, with Nannapat reaching her half-century in just 28 balls. Nattaya Boochatham also contributed with a solid 50, while Aphisara Suwanchonrathi added 29 runs. For Nepal, Manisha Upadhyay and Rajmati Airee claimed a wicket each.
Nepal had secured a historic spot in the Global Qualifier by defeating UAE on Monday, marking their first-ever progression beyond the Asia Qualifier. Thailand had confirmed their qualification a day earlier by defeating UAE.
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