Nepal Suffers Opening Defeat to Namibia in Women’s Day Cup in Uganda

Nepal lost their opening game to Namibia in the Women’s Day Cup, posting only 92 runs. Despite a valiant attempt by a few players, Namibia chased down the revised target of 71 runs after a rain interruption, winning comfortably by six wickets. Nepal has five more games in the tournament to recover.

Nepal sustained a defeat to Namibia in their opening match of the Women’s Day Cup held in Uganda. The match saw hosts Uganda triumph over Hong Kong in another encounter. Nepal, who won the toss, opted to bat first at Entebbe Cricket Oval but only managed to score a meager total of 92 runs, marking their inaugural competition against Namibia in women’s cricket.

Key contributors for Nepal included opener Samjhana Khadka with 18 runs from 11 balls, teenager Puja Mahato from 13 runs off 20 balls, and Kabita Joshi, scoring 16 off 31 balls. Ishwari Bist remained not out at 17 runs from 14 deliveries. The Mwatile siblings, Wilka and Mekelanye, posed significant challenges for Nepal by claiming three wickets each in their respective four-over spells, restricting Nepal’s score effectively.

Due to rain interruptions, Namibia’s target was adjusted from 92 to 71 runs in 15 overs. The team chased down the new target with two balls to spare and six wickets in hand. Mekelanye Mwatile was the standout player for Namibia, not only taking three wickets but also top-scoring with 26 off 35 balls. Jurriene Diergaardt helped seal the win with 13 runs off 7 balls.

Nepal’s bowlers Mahato, Joshi, captain Indu Barma, and Bist each took one wicket, though it was not enough. Prior to their journey to Uganda, Barma and coach Manoj Katwal had expressed optimism regarding their chances in the series. Despite this setback, Nepal still has five games left in the double round-robin format tournament, with matches against Uganda and Hong Kong scheduled for March 9 and 10 respectively, followed by a rematch against Namibia on March 12.

In summary, Nepal faced a challenging defeat in their opening match against Namibia in the Women’s Day Cup. With a modest score of 92 runs, they could not defend effectively, allowing Namibia to successfully chase an adjusted total of 71 runs. Despite this initial loss, Nepal retains the opportunity to recover in the upcoming matches of the tournament.

Original Source: kathmandupost.com