Nepal Women’s Team Experiences Disappointing Start in Uganda T20 Series

The Nepali women’s cricket team started the Women’s Day T20 International Series with a six-wicket loss to Namibia in Uganda. Nepal scored 92 runs, while Namibia chased a revised target of 71 runs due to rain. The match marked the first encounter between these teams and was significant for Nepal as their initial outing beyond Asia.

The Nepali women’s cricket team experienced an unfortunate defeat, marking their entry into the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series with a six-wicket loss to Namibia, determined by the Duckworth-Lewis method, in Entebbe, Uganda. After winning the toss, the team opted to bat first but was dismissed for a mere 92 runs within the allotted 20 overs, subsequently setting Namibia a revised target of 71 runs due to rain interruptions.

Namibia reached the new target, scoring 71 runs for the loss of four wickets in 14.5 overs after rain affected their innings when they were at 39/1. Mekelaye Mwatile topped the Namibian scorecard with 26 runs, aided by Arrasta Diergaardt, who contributed 13 runs not out. In response, Nepal’s bowling saw Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Indu Barma, and Ishwori Bist each taking one wicket.

Nepal’s batting performance was led by opener Samjhana Khadka, who scored 18 runs off 11 balls, and Kabita Joshi, who added 16 runs from 31 balls. Puja Mahato contributed 13 runs, while Ishwori Bist remained not out with 17 runs. Namibia’s bowling was effective, with Wilk Mwatile and Mekelaye Mwatile claiming three wickets each, and Kayleen Ann Green taking two.

This match was significant as it marked the first confrontation between the women’s teams of Nepal and Namibia, as well as the inaugural international outing for the Nepali women’s cricket team beyond the Asian continent. The T20 series features a double round-robin format that includes Uganda, Nepal, Namibia, and Hong Kong, aiming for the top teams to compete in the final.

In related news, host Uganda commenced their series successfully, securing a victory against Hong Kong by restricting the opponents to 75 runs for four wickets and subsequently chasing down the target at 78 runs for the loss of two wickets in 17.2 overs. Nepal is set to face host Uganda in their next match on March 9 (Sunday).

In summary, the Nepali women’s cricket team faced a disappointing debut in Uganda, losing to Namibia due to an ineffective batting performance, which culminated in a low total of 92 runs. Namibia successfully chased the revised target to secure a six-wicket victory. This series represents a critical opportunity for the Nepali team as they venture into international competition outside of Asia, with their next match against host Uganda prominently on the schedule.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com