Nepal qualifies for ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup

KATHMANDU: Nepal has secured a place in the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup by defeating the UAE.

Chasing a modest target of 84 runs, Nepal reached it comfortably in 14.4 overs, fulfilling the nation’s dream of competing in the World Cup.

Sana Praveen was instrumental in Nepal’s victory, scoring an unbeaten 35 runs off 42 balls.

Captain Pooja Mahato provided a quickfire 21 runs off 18 balls, while Sabitri Dhami contributed 12 runs, and Soni Pakhrin remained unbeaten with 13 runs.

Earlier, the UAE won the toss and chose to bat, setting a target of 83 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

Nepal’s Karishma Gurung bowled brilliantly, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs, while Riya Sharma and Simana KC took 2 wickets each, conceding 12 and 18 runs, respectively. Rachana Kumari Chaudhary also took 1 wicket, conceding 24 runs.

In the Asia Qualifiers, held in the UAE, Nepal played six matches, winning five and losing one. In the first match, Nepal defeated Thailand by 67 runs, followed by a commanding 108-run victory over Kuwait.

However, Nepal faced a setback in the third game, losing to host UAE by 13 runs. They quickly rebounded, winning the fourth match against Thailand by 106 runs, and later defeating Kuwait by a massive 165-run margin in their fifth game.

Alongside Nepal, the tournament featured teams from the UAE, Kuwait, and Thailand.