KATHMANDU: Nepal’s women’s cricket team has been knocked out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier at the group stage after suffering a 72-run defeat to Scotland on Monday, ending their hopes of reaching the Super Six stage.
Chasing a challenging target of 141 runs, Nepal were bowled out for 68 in 13.5 overs, losing nine wickets. Captain Indu Barma had to leave the field due to injury in the fourth ball of the seventh over and was unable to return.
For Nepal, Bindu Rawal and Roma Thapa scored 14 runs each, while Rubina Chhetry added 10 runs.
Scotland’s Aftaha Maqsood took three wickets, while captain Kathryn Bryce and Kathryn Fraser claimed two wickets each. Olivia Bell and Rachel Slater took one wicket apiece.
Nepal’s bowling started well but lacked finishing
Batting first after losing the toss, Scotland posted 140 all out in 20 overs, setting Nepal a target of 141. Nepal began strongly with the ball, taking three wickets in the powerplay and reducing Scotland to 79 for 6. However, Scotland staged a late comeback with Priyanaz Chatterji top-scoring with an unbeaten 45. Alisa Lister contributed 22 runs, Sarah Bryce scored 18, and Megan McColl added 17.
Nepal’s standout bowlers included Manisha Upadhyay, who claimed four wickets for just 15 runs in four overs, and Rubina Chhetry, who took three wickets for 23 runs. Sita Rana Magar, Riya Sharma, and Kabita Joshi took one wicket each.
Earlier in the tournament, Nepal had suffered defeats to Thailand and the Netherlands but managed a win against Zimbabwe. With only one victory, Nepal finished with 2 points, ending their campaign.
Super Six teams confirmed
Following Monday’s results, the six teams qualifying for the Super Six stage have been finalized. From Group B, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Thailand have advanced. In Group A, Papua New Guinea’s five-wicket loss to the USA allowed the latter to qualify, joining Bangladesh and Ireland.
The top four teams from the Super Six stage will secure a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in England this June.
Comment