By a staff reporter
Kathmandu – Nepal have won the Quadrangular Series in Malaysia with a 13-run victory over Hong Kong. Nepal defeated Hong Kong owing to the Duckworth-Lewis method in a match that was affected by rain later on.
Chasing a target of 102 runs, Nepal managed to get to 37 runs at the loss of a wicket in 5.3 overs. The match was stopped due to bad weather at that stage and couldn’t be continued later on. Hence, Nepal were awarded the win, being ahead on the D/L method.
Indu Barma remained not out on 19 runs off 19 with two fours. Sita Rana Magar also remained unbeaten on 13 runs off 13 deliveries with one four. Hong Kong had a tremendous start as they sent opener Kajol Shrestha back to the pavilion in the very first delivery.
Earlier, Hong Kong, who were sent into bat after losing the toss, Hong Kong scored 101 runs in 20 overs, losing six wickets. Skipper Ka Ying Chan scored an unbeaten 29 runs in 45 balls. Marina Lamplogh scored 19 runs in 20 deliveries with two fours.
Ikra Sahar scored ten runs, and Shanzeen Shahzad scored 14 runs off 10 deliveries. Nepal’s leg spinner Khusi Dangol took three wickets in three overs at the expense of 20 runs. Ashmina and Kabita Joshi took one wicket apiece.
Nepal had qualified for the final finishing at the top of the table while Hong Kong finished second. Malaysian defeated Kuwait to finish third.
Nepal are also scheduled to take on Thailand on Monday in a practice match ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers that will be held from August 31 to September 9 in Malaysia. Nepal have been grouped alongside the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Bhutan and Bahrain in Group A. China, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Myanmar and Thailand make up Group B. The top two teams in each group will contest the semifinals.
The two finalists will qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Nepal will take on Malaysia on August 31, Bahrain on September 1, Bhutan on September 3, Qatar on September 4 and the UAE on September 6.
