By Bootballer Desk • Cricket • Mar 10, 2025 14:57 PM • 132 views
KATHMANDU, March 10 — Nepal Women's national cricket team suffered a narrow two-run defeat to Hong Kong in their third match of the ongoing Women's T20 International tournament on Monday at the Entebbe Cricket Oval in Uganda.
Chasing a modest target of 101 runs, Nepal fell agonizingly short, managing only 98 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, despite a gritty 32-run knock from captain Indu Barma.
With this loss—their second in three matches—Nepal now has two points. They opened their campaign with a six-wicket loss to Namibia but bounced back with a thrilling one-wicket victory over hosts Uganda in the second fixture.
Hong Kong, on the other hand, continued its resurgence, registering back-to-back wins after an opening defeat to Uganda. With four points from three games, it now sits in a strong position in the tournament standings. In its second match, Hong Kong had earlier beaten Namibia by four wickets.
Nepal's chase began with promise but lost steam in the middle overs. Skipper Indu Barma anchored the innings with a composed 32, while Pooja Mahato chipped in with 19. Contributions also came from Bindu Rawal (14), Roma Thapa (13*), and Sana Prabin (10), but the side couldn't find the late momentum needed to cross the finish line.
Hong Kong's bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages. Mariko Hill was instrumental with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets. Siu Miwai and Chan Ka Ying claimed a wicket apiece, applying pressure in key phases of the match.
Earlier, Hong Kong posted 100 for 7 after being sent in to bat. Natasha Miles top-scored with a solid 35, Mariko Hill added 21, and Yasmin Daswani remained unbeaten on 11.
Nepal's bowlers put in a disciplined effort, with skipper Indu Verma and Ishwari Bista claiming two wickets each. Pooja Mahato and Rachna Kumari Chaudhary also chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Nepal now faces an uphill battle to remain in contention, with consistency proving elusive in the tournament.
