Nepal’s women’s cricket team lost their opening match by six wickets to Namibia in the Women’s Day T20 International Series in Uganda. After a disappointing total of 92 runs, they faced a revised target due to rain, which Namibia successfully chased. The match marked the first encounter between Nepal and Namibia’s women’s teams, and Nepal’s next match is against Uganda.
The Nepali women’s cricket team faced a challenging beginning in the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series, losing by six wickets to Namibia under the Duckworth-Lewis method in Entebbe, Uganda. Upon winning the toss, Nepal opted to bat first but was dismissed for a mere 92 runs within their allotted 20 overs. Following interruptions due to rain, Namibia was set a revised target of 71 runs in 15 overs, successfully achieving this target with four wickets down in 14.5 overs.
Mekelaye Mwatile emerged as Namibia’s highest scorer, accumulating 26 runs, including three boundaries. Arrasta Diergaardt contributed an unblemished 13 runs off just seven balls. For Nepal, Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Indu Barma, and Ishwori Bist each claimed one wicket. Samjhana Khadka was the leading scorer for Nepal, making 18 runs off 11 balls, accompanied by Kabita Joshi with 16 runs from 31 balls and Puja Mahato with 13 runs from 20 balls. Ishwori Bist finished not out with 17 runs off 14 balls.
Namibia’s bowlers excelled, with Wilk Mwatile and Mekelaye Mwatile each taking three wickets, restricting Nepal to a low score. Wilk achieved figures of 3 wickets for 17 runs, while Mekelaye claimed 3 wickets for just 12 runs. Kayleen Ann Green also contributed with two wickets.
This match not only marked the inaugural meeting between Nepal and Namibia’s women’s teams, but it also represented the first occasion that the Nepali women’s cricket team competed outside of Asia. The T20 series features a double round-robin format including hosts Uganda, Nepal, Namibia, and Hong Kong, with the top teams after the league progressing to the finals.
In a parallel development, host Uganda commenced their campaign on a positive note, defeating Hong Kong by limiting them to 75 runs for four wickets. Uganda successfully chased down the target, scoring 78 runs for the loss of just two wickets within 17.2 overs. Nepal is scheduled to face host Uganda on March 9 (Sunday).
In summary, the Nepali women’s cricket team experienced a challenging defeat against Namibia in their opening match of the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series. The team must regroup as they prepare for their next encounter against Uganda, aiming for improved performance to advance in the tournament. This series highlights the growing competitive landscape of women’s cricket globally as Nepal ventures beyond their home continent for the first time.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
