Kathmandu, May 14: Nepal suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Hong Kong in their second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday.Hong Kong strengthened their chances of reaching the Super Three stage with this victory. They now sit at the top of the table with four points.
Hong Kong and Nepal shared points after their first match was abandoned due to a wet outfield. Hong Kong also split points with Bahrain. Meanwhile, Nepal dominated Bahrain in their second match, securing a convincing nine-wicket win.
Nepal needed a win against Hong Kong to stay in the race for the Global Qualifier. However, their loss at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground dealt a major blow to their hopes.Chasing just 30 runs, Hong Kong cruised to victory in 4.3 overs, losing three wickets along the way.
Nepal started strong, putting Hong Kong under early pressure. Without scoring a run, Hong Kong lost two wickets—Kary Chan was run out for a golden duck, and captain Natasha Miles fell without opening her account. Kabita Kunwar struck twice for Nepal.
Shanzeen Shahzad and Mariko Hill then stabilized Hong Kong’s chase, adding 27 runs for the third wicket. Mariko scored a run-a-ball 11 before getting dismissed by Kabita Kunwar. Opener Shanzeen top-scored with an unbeaten 15 off 12 deliveries. Yasmin Daswani remained not out on three.
Earlier, heavy rain in Bangkok delayed the match, reducing it to a five-over contest per side. After winning the toss, Hong Kong invited Nepal to bat first.
Nepal struggled with the bat, managing only 29 runs for the loss of three wickets in five overs. Opener Kabita Kunwar scored just two runs, while Samjhana Khadka made 10 before getting dismissed.Nepal lost both openers at 13 runs. Puja Mahato was caught behind off Alison Siu’s delivery for just three runs, with Natasha Miles taking the catch.
Nepal’s batting woes continued, reaching only 23 runs for three wickets by the end of the fourth over. Indu remained unbeaten on nine, while Rubina Chhetry was not out on four.Alison Siu was Hong Kong’s standout bowler, picking up three wickets. Nepal now has three points from as many matches.
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