Nepali girls lose to WIndies in U19 World Cup warm-up match

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Jan. 14:The Nepali U19 women's cricket team faced a narrow nine-run defeat against West Indies in their first warm-up match for the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup on Monday. The Nepali women's team is currently in Malaysia to compete in the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on January 17.

Chasing a target of 110 runs, Nepal was all out for 100 runs in 19.1 overs. Seemana KC was the top scorer for Nepal, making 23 runs. Captain Puja Mahato and Kiran Kunwar both contributed 18 runs each, while Soni Pakhrin added 15 runs. 

West Indies bowlers Amiah Gilbert, Aalilyah Weekes, and Trisha Hardat each took two wickets, preventing the Nepali team from securing victory.

West Indies opted to bat first and scored 109 runs, losing four wickets in their allocated 20 overs. 

Captain Samara Ramnath was the top scorer with 25 runs, while opener Asabi Callender contributed 23 runs. Other notable contributions came from Amrita Ramtahal (10), Jahzara Claxton (22), and Abigail Bryce (19). 

For Nepal, Rachana Chaudhary and Seemana KC each took one wicket, while two West Indies players were run out. Nepal will play another practice match against the USA on January 15, Wednesday. 

For the World Cup, Nepal is placed in Group 'D' alongside Australia, Bangladesh, and Scotland. 

They will start their World Cup campaign with a match against Bangladesh on January 18, followed by games against Scotland on January 20 and Australia on January 22.

Nepal qualified for the World Cup for the first time by defeating the UAE by eight wickets in the Asian qualifiers held last October. 

As a result of qualifying for the World Cup, Nepal also had the opportunity to participate in the recent ACC Women's U-19 Asia Cup held in Malaysia.

This marks the first time Nepal is competing in a World Cup at any level for women's cricket.