Nepal Women’s Team Begins T20 International Series with Loss to Namibia

The Nepali women’s cricket team faced a six-wicket loss to Namibia in their opening match in Uganda. Opting to bat, Nepal scored 92 runs, which Namibia successfully chased down after rain delays. Notable performances included 18 runs from Samjhana Khadka for Nepal and 26 runs from Mekelaye Mwatile for Namibia. This series is the first for Nepal outside Asia, with their next match against Uganda.

The Nepali women’s cricket team commenced their participation in the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series with a challenging start, facing a disappointing six-wicket defeat to Namibia due to the Duckworth-Lewis method in Entebbe, Uganda. Winning the toss at Entebbe Cricket Oval, Nepal opted to bat first but was dismissed for a mere 92 runs across 20 overs. Due to rain delays, Namibia was set a revised target of 71 runs in just 15 overs. On reaching 39 runs for one wicket in eight overs, Namibia managed to successfully chase the target, concluding their innings at 71 runs for the loss of four wickets in 14.5 overs.

Mekelaye Mwatile emerged as Namibia’s highest run-scorer, amassing 26 runs, which included three boundaries. Arrasta Diergaardt contributed effectively with an unbeaten 13 runs off seven balls. Nepal’s bowling efforts saw Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Indu Barma, and Ishwori Bist each claiming one wicket.

For Nepal, opener Samjhana Khadka was the standout performer, scoring 18 runs off 11 deliveries, punctuated by four boundaries. Kabita Joshi added 16 runs from 31 balls, while Puja Mahato and Ishwori Bist contributed 13 runs off 20 balls, and 17 runs off 14 balls, respectively. Namibia’s bowlers delivered a formidable performance, with Wilk Mwatile and Mekelaye Mwatile collectively taking six wickets, including three wickets each for 17 runs and 12 runs, respectively, while Kayleen Ann Green secured two wickets.

This match was significant as it marked the inaugural face-off between the women’s teams of Nepal and Namibia, and it also marked the first occasion that the Nepali women’s cricket team competed outside Asia. The T20 series adopts a double round-robin format featuring Uganda, Nepal, Namibia, and Hong Kong, with leading teams proceeding to the final.

On a different note, host Uganda launched their campaign successfully, overcoming Hong Kong by restricting them to 75 runs for four wickets in 20 overs and subsequently scoring 78 runs for two wickets in just 17.2 overs. Nepal is scheduled to play their next match against the host team, Uganda, on March 9 (Sunday).

In conclusion, the Nepali women’s cricket team experienced a challenging start to the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series, falling to Namibia by six wickets. Despite commendable performances from individual players, the team’s low score ultimately hindered their chances of victory. Additionally, the series format allows for further opportunities for the team to secure wins against upcoming competitors, with their next match against Uganda scheduled for March 9. Understanding the competitive landscape will be crucial for future successes in international matches.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com