Nepal’s ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024 campaign concluded with a significant defeat against India, losing by 82 runs in their final group-stage match.
Chasing a massive target of 179 runs, Nepal concluded their 20 overs at 96/9. Overcoming such a tough score against the powerful Indian team proved too impossible. By the end of the powerplay, Nepal was at 31/2, having lost Samjhana Khadka (7) and Kabita Kunwar (6).
Nepal’s highest partnership was a 22-run stand between Sita Rana Magar and Indu Barma. Sita had the most points (18), followed by Indu with 14. Rubina Chhetri added 15 before Puja and Kabita Joshi were removed cheaply. Dolly Bhatta (5), in her debut match, and Kajal Shrestha (3), batting for the first time, were unable to make a big impression. Bindu Rawal stayed undefeated, scoring 17 runs.
Deepti Sharma was the standout bowler for India, taking three wickets (4-0-13-3), while Radha Yadav and Anuradha Reddy each claimed two wickets.
Earlier, India posted a commanding total, led by Shafali Verma’s brilliant batting. Opting to bat first at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, India scored 178/3.
The opening couple established a solid foundation with a century partnership. Shafali Verma’s powerful innings, combined with Hemalatha’s steady performance, helped them score 122 runs in 14 overs before Hemalatha was removed for 47. Shafali followed a few overs later, having scored 81 runs off 48 balls, including 12 fours and one six.
Nepal managed to keep the run flow under control in the middle overs, but Jemimah Rodrigues scored quickly in the death overs, adding 28 runs from 15 balls to India’s total.
Sita Rana Magar was Nepal’s best bowler, with stats of 4-0-25-2. Kabita Joshi took one wicket, while the remaining bowlers were wicketless and fairly expensive.
Despite this defeat, Nepal registered their first-ever win in Women’s Asia Cup history in their opening game against UAE but suffered a nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in their second match.