The Nepali women’s cricket team lost to Namibia in their opening match of the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series by six wickets, falling to a revised target due to rain interruptions. They scored 92 runs, while Namibia managed to chase down the target of 71 runs successfully. The match marked the first encounter between the two teams and the Nepali team’s first game outside Asia. Nepal will face Uganda next.
Nepal’s women’s cricket team faced a challenging start in the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series, suffering a six-wicket defeat to Namibia using the Duckworth-Lewis method in Entebbe, Uganda. After winning the toss, Nepal chose to bat but was quickly dismissed for a mere 92 runs in 20 overs. Due to rain interruptions, Namibia’s revised target was set at 71 runs in 15 overs, which they successfully achieved, scoring 73 runs for the loss of four wickets in just 14.5 overs.
Mekelaye Mwatile emerged as Namibia’s leading scorer with 26 runs, complemented by Arrasta Diergaardt’s contribution of an unbeaten 13 off seven balls. On the Nepali side, Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Indu Barma, and Ishwori Bist each managed to take one wicket. Nepal’s top performer was Samjhana Khadka, who scored 18 runs off 11 balls, supported by Kabita Joshi with 16 runs and Puja Mahato with 13 runs.
Namibia’s bowlers dominated the match, with Wilk Mwatile and Mekelaye Mwatile collectively claiming six wickets, Wilk securing three for 17 runs and Mekelaye taking three for just 12 runs, while Kayleen Ann Green contributed with two wickets. This match marked a historic occasion as it was the inaugural encounter between the women’s teams of Nepal and Namibia, and also the first time the Nepali women’s cricket team played outside Asia.
The T20 series features a double round-robin format with teams from Uganda, Nepal, Namibia, and Hong Kong. The leading teams from this stage will move on to the final. Meanwhile, Uganda began their campaign strongly by defeating Hong Kong, restricting them to 75 runs for four wickets in 20 overs and scoring 78 runs for the loss of two wickets in 17.2 overs. Nepal’s forthcoming match is scheduled against Uganda on March 9 (Sunday).
In conclusion, the Nepali women’s cricket team had a disappointing beginning to the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series, marked by a heavy defeat to Namibia. Despite solid individual performances with the bat and ball, the team could not secure a win. The ongoing tournament offers them another opportunity to improve, with their next match against Uganda. It remains to be seen how the team will rebound from this setback and perform in upcoming matches of the series.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
