Thailand continue with winning run

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 4: Thailand continued their winning streak in the Women's T20I Triangular Series with a 17-run victory over the Netherlands at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.

With three consecutive wins, Thailand has amassed six points, maintaining the top position in the league standings. The Netherlands, in second place, has four points from four matches. Host Nepal sits at the bottom of the table without a single win. Nepal will face Thailand on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 87 runs, the Netherlands was bowled out for 69 runs in just 15.5 overs. 

After being invited to bat first, the Thai batters struggled and managed only 86 runs before being dismissed in 19.5 overs. 

Chanida Sutthiruang was the top scorer for Thailand with 27 runs, while Phannita Maya contributed 12 runs off 31 balls. The rest of the Thai batters were dismissed for low scores.

For the Netherlands, Iris Zwillig, Eva Lynch, and Silver Siegers each took two wickets. Isabelle van der Wielen claimed one wicket.

In response, the Netherlands also faltered with the bat as three players were dismissed for a duck. Captain Babette de Leede attempted to stabilize the innings but struggled to find a reliable partner. Iris Zwillig scored 13 runs off 30 balls, and Caroline de Lange added 10 runs from the lower order.

Despite the batting flops, Thailand excelled with their bowling. Thipatcha Putthawong and Onnicha Kamchomphu were the main contributors to the destruction of the Dutch batting lineup, each taking three wickets. Chanida Sutthiruang also dismissed two batters.

This victory marks Thailand's second win over the Netherlands in the series, following an 8-wicket triumph in their previous match. 

Along with host Nepal, Thailand and the Netherlands will face each other three times in this series. The team that finishes at the top of the points table will be crowned the tournament champion.

Puja in World Cup Team of Tournament  Meanwhile, the captain of the Nepali U19 Women's team, Puja Mahato, has been selected for the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament. 

This recognition follows her impressive all-around performance in the tournament, which concluded in Malaysia on February 2. 

The International Cricket Council honoured her by including her in a team comprised of players from champion India, and runners-up South Africa, as well as representatives from Australia, Sri Lanka, Namibia, and England.  

Mahato, who is currently playing with the senior side at the triangular series, scored 70 runs and took nine wickets at the World Cup, establishing herself as one of the standout all-rounders of the event.