Nepal-W make losing start in Uganda

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 9: The Nepali women's team had a disappointing start in the Women's Day Twenty20 International Series, suffering a six-wicket loss to Namibia in the Duckworth-Lewis method in Entebbe, Uganda.

After winning the toss at Entebbe Cricket Oval, Nepal elected to bat first but was quickly dismissed for just 92 runs in 20 overs. Due to rain interruptions, Namibia was given a revised target of 71 runs in 15 overs. Rain came into play while Namibia were on 39/1 in eight overs. Namibia successfully chased down the revised target, losing four wickets in 14.5 overs.

Mekelaye Mwatile was Namibia's top scorer, scoring 26 runs, including three boundaries. Arrasta Diergaardt contributed an unbeaten 13 runs off seven balls. For Nepal, Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Indu Barma, and Ishwori Bist each took one wicket.

Earlier, opener Samjhana Khadka was the highest scorer for Nepal, contributing 18 runs off 11 balls, which included four boundaries. Kabita Joshi scored 16 runs off 31 deliveries, while Puja Mahato added 13 runs from 20 balls. Ishwori Bist remained not out with 17 runs off 14 balls, which included two boundaries. To restrict Nepal to a low score, Namibia's bowlers Wilk Mwatile and Mekelaye Mwatile shared six wickets between them, with Wilk taking three wickets for 17 runs and Mekelaye claiming three wickets for just 12 runs. Kayleen Ann Green also took two wickets for Namibia.

This match marked the first-ever encounter between the women's cricket teams of Nepal and Namibia. Additionally, it was the first time the Nepali women's cricket team played outside the Asian continent.

The T20 series follows a double round-robin league format featuring hosts Uganda, Nepal, Namibia, and Hong Kong. The top teams after the league stage will compete in the final.

Meanwhile, host Uganda began their campaign with a victory over Hong Kong, restricting them to 75 runs for four wickets in 20 overs, and successfully chasing down the target with a score of 78 runs for the loss of two wickets in 17.2 overs. 

Nepal's next match will be against host Uganda on March 9 (Sunday).