By Sachit Subba • Cricket • May 19, 2025 08:51 AM • 106 views
In a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, the national women's team has booked its maiden ticket to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers, scripting history with a thrilling five-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Bangkok.
Playing their opening Super 3 clash of the Asia Regional Qualifier at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Thailand, Nepal chased down UAE's target of 115 with three balls to spare—triggering scenes of jubilation within the camp and among fans back home.
Captain Indu Barma led from the front with an ice-cool unbeaten 30, anchoring the chase with composure. She was well supported by veteran Rubina Chhetri (23), Samjhana Khadka (21), and Pooja Mahato (13), who chipped in with vital cameos that helped Nepal stay ahead in the nerve-racking run chase.
The match had started with Nepal electing to field first after winning the toss. Under pressure to keep their qualification hopes alive, UAE managed a competitive 114/7 in 20 overs. Captain Isha Oza top-scored with 39, while Tirtha Satish (21), Hina Hotchandani (20), and Lavanya Keny (12) offered steady support.
But the day belonged to Manisha Upadhyay, whose spell of 4/16 broke the backbone of the UAE innings and set the tone for Nepal's eventual triumph. Kabita Kunwar (2 wickets) and Rajamati Airi (1) provided excellent backup, keeping the UAE batters in check.
With this defeat, UAE—one of the pre-tournament favourites—crashed out of contention, while Nepal's win ensured a historic qualification to the global stage of women's T20 cricket for the first time.
Nepal's road ahead doesn't ease up, as they are set to face host nation Thailand in their final Super 3 encounter. But with momentum, belief, and history on their side, the team will be eyeing another scalp before heading into the global qualifiers.
Nepal's women have now carved their legacy for a cricketing nation that has long punched above its weight in the men's format—paving the way for a new generation of sporting excellence.
