By Bootballer Desk • Cricket • Mar 09, 2025 15:29 PM • 152 views
Kathmandu – In a gripping contest that went down to the wire, Nepal's women's cricket team edged past hosts Uganda by a solitary wicket to register their first win in the ongoing Women's T20 International Tournament at the Entebbe Cricket Oval on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 76 runs, Nepal held their nerve in a dramatic finish, reaching the total with one wicket to spare. The victory saw Nepal open its account in the tournament with two points from two matches, drawing level with Uganda, which also had two points but suffered its first loss.
The chase was far from straightforward for the Nepali batters, who were tested by Uganda's disciplined bowling unit. Sana Pravin (17), Pooja Mahato (16), and Rubina Chhetri (10) provided crucial contributions in the low-scoring encounter. However, a collective display of grit and composure ultimately took Nepal over the line in a tense final over.
Uganda's bowling attack was spearheaded by Janet Mbabazi, who picked up three wickets, while Sarah Walaza chipped in with two scalps, nearly turning the game in the host nation's favour.
Nepal's bowlers had done well, restricting Uganda to 75 for 7 after opting to bowl first. Pooja Mahato was the pick of the bowlers with a stellar 3-wicket haul, while captain Indu Verma provided valuable support with two wickets.
For Uganda, Immaculate Nakisuyi top-scored with 22 runs, while Stefania Nampiina (14) and Malisha Ariokot (11) added modest support in a batting performance that lacked momentum.
The victory is a morale booster for Nepal, especially after their six-wicket defeat to Namibia in their opening match. Uganda, meanwhile, kicked off their campaign in style with an eight-wicket win over Hong Kong but now faces a tighter race in the points table following their narrow loss.
With the tournament heating up, Nepal will hope to build on this momentum and strengthen its position in the standings as the action continues in Entebbe.
