The Nepali women’s team lost to Namibia by six wickets in their opening match of the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series in Entebbe, Uganda. Nepal was restricted to 92 runs, while Namibia successfully chased a rain-adjusted target of 71 runs. This match marked several milestones, including Nepal’s first match outside Asia and their inaugural encounter with Namibia.
The Nepalese women’s cricket team commenced their participation in the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series unfavorably, enduring a six-wicket defeat against Namibia via the Duckworth-Lewis method in Entebbe, Uganda. Upon winning the toss, Nepal opted to bat first; however, their innings concluded at merely 92 runs over the course of 20 overs. Due to rain interruptions, Namibia was tasked with a revised target of 71 runs in 15 overs, which they successfully met by scoring 74 runs for four wickets in 14.5 overs.
Mekelaye Mwatile emerged as Namibia’s leading scorer, amassing 26 runs with three boundaries. Arrasta Diergaardt assisted the team by remaining not out with 13 runs off seven balls. For Nepal, the bowling was spearheaded by Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Indu Barma, and Ishwori Bist, each claiming one wicket during the match.
In terms of batting, Samjhana Khadka was the standout player for Nepal, scoring 18 runs off 11 deliveries, which included four boundaries. Kabita Joshi contributed 16 runs from 31 balls, while Puja Mahato added 13 runs off 20 balls. Ishwori Bist remained not out with 17 runs from 14 balls. Namibia’s bowlers, particularly Wilk Mwatile and Mekelaye Mwatile, dominated the innings by collectively taking six wickets, with Wilk claiming three for 17 runs and Mekelaye three for 12 runs.
This match marked a historic moment, as it was the inaugural meeting between the women’s teams of Nepal and Namibia and the first international engagement of the Nepali women’s cricket team outside the Asian continent. The Twenty20 series features a double round-robin format with teams including hosts Uganda, Nepal, Namibia, and Hong Kong, culminating in a final match contested by the top teams following the league phase.
In other news, the host nation, Uganda, started their campaign successfully, defeating Hong Kong by restricting them to 75 runs for four wickets in 20 overs and chasing the target down to finish at 78 runs for two wickets in 17.2 overs. Nepal’s subsequent match is scheduled against host Uganda on March 9 (Sunday).
In summary, the Nepalese women’s cricket team faced a challenging beginning in the Women’s Day Twenty20 International Series, losing to Namibia by six wickets due to rain adjustments. Historical contexts such as the match being their first international match outside Asia and their first-time encounter with Namibia underscore the significance of this series. Looking ahead, Nepal will aim for redemption in their upcoming match against Uganda.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
