Nepal Lose to Hong Kong by 7 Wickets in Women’s T20 Asia Qualifier

Nepal suffered a 7-wicket defeat against Hong Kong on Tuesday in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier. This was Nepal’s first loss in Group C, while it was Hong Kong’s first win.

The match was reduced to 5 overs per side due to a wet outfield. Batting first, Nepal scored 29 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. In reply, Hong Kong chased down the 30-run target in just 4.3 overs, losing 3 wickets.

For Hong Kong, opener Shanzin Shahzad remained unbeaten on 15 runs from 12 balls, hitting 1 six. Mariko Hill supported with 11 runs off 11 balls.

From Nepal’s side, Kabita Kunwar bowled well, taking 2 wickets for just 5 runs in 1.3 overs. Pooja Mahato was the most expensive, conceding 19 runs in 2 overs.

Earlier, Nepal lost the toss and batted first. Opener Samjhana Khadka top-scored with 10 runs off 7 balls, hitting 1 four. No other player could reach double figures. Captain Indu Barma remained not out on 9 from 10 balls.

For Hong Kong, Alison Siu was the star bowler, taking 3 wickets in 2 overs while giving away just 11 runs.

After this win, Hong Kong now lead the group with 4 points from 3 matches, while Nepal are second with 3 points from the same number of games. This loss makes Nepal’s path to the Super Three stage more difficult.

Both Nepal and Hong Kong still have to play Bahrain. Nepal must beat Bahrain to have a chance to finish top of the group, and also hope the result of the Hong Kong vs Bahrain match goes in their favor.

Nepal will play Bahrain on Thursday, and Hong Kong face Bahrain on Friday.

A total of 9 teams are competing in the qualifiers, divided into 3 groups. The top team from each group will move to the Super Three round, where each team will play the other two. The top two teams from the Super Three will qualify for the Global Qualifier.