Nepal’s Asia Cup journey ends with 82-run defeat to India

KATHMANDU: In a competitive showdown, Nepal faced defeat against India in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, falling short by 83 runs.

Chasing a challenging target of 179 runs, Nepal lost all their wickets, managing only 96 runs.

India remains undefeated in the group stage, securing a spot in the semifinals. Sita Rana Magar top-scored for Nepal with 18 runs, while Samjhana Khadka fell for 7 runs as the opening pair.

Captain Indu Barma contributed 14 runs after Kavita Kunwar was dismissed for 6 runs.

Rubina Chhetri fell for 15 runs without opening her account, leaving Dolie Bhatta to return to the pavilion with 5 runs.

Kajal Shrestha was out for 3 runs, followed by Bindu Rawal (17) and Sawan Rai (1) losing their wickets quickly.

For India, Renuka Singh claimed one wicket, while Deepti Sharma took three crucial wickets. Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy each secured two wickets.

Earlier, India set a target of 178 runs after winning the toss and opting to bat first, losing only 3 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. India’s openers shared a partnership until the 14th over.

In the last ball of the 14th over, Dayalan Hemalatha, batting on Sita Rana Magar’s delivery, was caught out by Rubina Chhetri. Hemalatha scored 47 runs, supported by 5 boundaries and a six.

Another opener, Shafali Verma, was stumped by the wicketkeeper on Sita’s delivery in the 16th over, making 81 runs off 48 balls, including 12 boundaries and one six.

Kavita made 10 runs, with a single boundary off 12 balls.

Jemimah Rodrigues scored 28 and Rucha Ghosh 6 runs.

From this group, India emerged victorious, and Pakistan became the runner-up, entering the semifinals. Nepal defeated the United Arab Emirates six wickets earlier.