Nepal lose Women’s T20I Series 3-0

By A Staff Reporter Kathmandu, May 20: Nepal’s dream to win the women’s maiden T20 International Series at home soil dashed after suffering third defeat at the hands of Uganda at TU International Cricket Stadium, Kritipur on Thursday.

The East African nation Uganda notched up a six wickets victory over the home team to clinch the series 3-0. 

Captain Rubina Chhetri conceded low scoring was the main cause of Nepal’s defeat. 

“We failed to score enough runs on the batting pitch. Scoring 100 runs on the batting wicket of TU Cricket Stadium is disappointing. Besides fitness and fielding are getting poor day-bay-day. The youngster also couldn’t perform compared to senior players,” Captain Chhetri said.

“It seems we are forgetting to win. So, we are trying our best to perform well against Uganda. As a captain, I am under pressure to win the title. For the last 12 years, we have not won any international titles.” 

Visitors thrashed Nepal by 12 runs in the first match and recorded a one-wicket victory in the second match of the series. 

The tourists successfully chased a victory target of 100 runs in the 18.2 overs hitting 101 runs and losing four wickets in 20 overs. 

Player of the Match Kevin Awino contributed highest with not out 42 runs of 51 balls. She smashed four boundaries in her innings. 

Janet Mbabazi hit one six and one boundaries in her knock of 39-ball 27. The single-digit contribution from other batters also helped in the victory of Uganda. Kabita Kunwar claimed two wickets whereas Captain Rubina Chhetri and Indu Barma grabbed one wicket apiecefor Nepal.

Electing to bat first Nepal managed to score 99 runs losing eight wickets in the 20 overs. Opener Jyoti Pandey was three runs short of her half-century as she chipped in with the highest 47 runs off 54 balls. Her batting included five boundaries.

Captain Rubina Chhetri scored unbeaten 18 runs off 15 balls that included two boundaries. Sita Rana Magar added 12 runs off 25 balls for Nepal.

Phiona Kulume, Concy Aweko and Sarah Akiteng grabbed two wickets each while Janet Mbabazi and Rita Musamali picked one wicket apiece for the winning side.

Nepal will face Uganda in the remaining two matches of the series on Friday and Saturday.