By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Feb 13, 2026 12:51 PM • 30 views
BANGKOK – Nepal’s campaign at the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 got off to a rocky start on Friday, as the national side succumbed to a 30-run defeat against a disciplined Pakistan ‘A’ outfit at the Terd Thai Cricket Ground.
Despite winning the toss and opting to field, Nepal struggled to contain the Pakistani middle order and later faltered under the pressure of a clinical bowling attack during the chase.
The First Innings: Khalid Anchors Pakistan
Nepal’s bowlers started with intent, but Pakistan ‘A’ captain Hafsa Khalid proved to be the difference-maker. Khalid anchored the innings with a composed, unbeaten 40 off 39 balls, punctuated by two boundaries and a towering six.
Support came from Wahida Akhtar, who contributed a brisk 23 before falling to the Riya Sharma-Rubina Chhetry combination. Nepal’s veteran seamer Kabita Kunwar was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets, while Manisha Upadhaya, Riya Sharma, Sita Rana Magar, and Rubina Chhetry chipped in with one apiece to restrict Pakistan to 137.
The Chase: Top-Order Struggles
Chasing 138 for a statement victory, Nepal’s pursuit never quite found its higher gears. Opener Bindu Rawal provided a glimmer of hope, top-scoring with a gritty 39 off 45 deliveries. Her innings, which included eight boundaries, ended when she was caught off Momina Riyasat.
The middle order, however, failed to ignite:
Captain Puja Mahato was dismissed for a sluggish 11 (16 balls). Power-hitter Samjhana Khadka (6) fell to a sharp return catch by Akhtar. Kabita Joshi was trapped LBW for a duck by the standout performer Anosha Nasir, who finished with impressive figures of 3 for 15.
While Kabita Kunwar (18*) and the experienced Sita Rana Magar (19*) remained unbeaten at the end, the required run rate had climbed out of reach, leaving Nepal stranded at 107/6 as the 20 overs expired.
The Road Ahead
With the tournament format placing the top two teams from each group into the semifinals, Nepal now faces a “must-win” scenario. The Rhinos are currently in Group A alongside Pakistan ‘A’, India ‘A’, and the UAE.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Sunday, Feb 15: Nepal vs UAE
Tuesday, Feb 17: Nepal vs India ‘A’
The final is scheduled for February 22. If Nepal is to advance, it must find more aggression in the power play and greater depth in its scoring contributions to challenge the regional heavyweights.
