Barma surpasses 1000-run milestone as Nepal level T20I series

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 8: Nepal captain Indu Barma etched her name into the history books on Tuesday, becoming the first Nepali woman cricketer to surpass 1,000 runs in Twenty20 Internationals. Her unbeaten 48-run knock not only secured the personal milestone but also steered Nepal to a six-wicket victory over Malaysia in the fourth T20I, levelling the five-match series 2–2.

Chasing a modest target of 112 at the Bayuemas Oval, Nepal reached the mark in 17.3 overs, losing four wickets. The chase was anchored by a crucial 61-run partnership between Barma and former skipper Rubina Chhetri, who remained unbeaten on 23.

Nepal’s innings began on a shaky note, losing four wickets for 54 runs inside nine overs. Opener Rubi Poddar was dismissed for five in the first over, while Samjhana Khadka (11) and Puja Mahato (7) failed to build momentum. Kabita Kunwar added 16 before falling in the ninth over.

Barma, however, held firm, striking five boundaries in her 39-ball innings. Chhetri supported ably, scoring at a run-a-ball pace and hitting two fours and the only six of the match.

During the innings, Barma crossed the 1,000-run mark in T20Is, having entered the match with 985 runs from 76 appearances. She reached the milestone with a boundary off her 1,018th delivery faced in international cricket. Her career tally now stands at 1,033 runs, including 77 fours and three sixes. Her highest score remains an unbeaten 55 against Qatar in 2021.

As reported by HamroKhelkud.com, Barma said, “I dreamt of reaching 1,000 runs after crossing 600. Today, that dream came true.” She emphasised that team success remains her priority: “It’s because of the team that I reached this milestone.”

Sita Rana Magar (965 runs) and Rubina Chhetri (916) follow Barma on Nepal’s all-time T20I run chart.

Malaysia’s bowling attack was led by Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Nur Dania Syuhada, and Mahirah Izzati, each claiming a wicket. Earlier, Malaysia opted to bat first and posted 111 for five in their 20 overs. The hosts suffered an early collapse, losing openers Ainna and Wan Julia for ducks. Captain Winifred Duraisingam managed just two runs, leaving Malaysia reeling at 20 for three. Mas Elysa and Mahirah Izzati revived the innings with a 48-run stand for the fourth wicket. Elysa remained unbeaten on 56 off 63 balls, striking five boundaries. Mahirah contributed 18, while Nur Dania added 15.

Kabita Kunwar was the pick of the bowlers for Nepal, returning figures of 3 for 10 from four overs. Puja Mahato and Kabita Joshi claimed one wicket apiece.

The series now stands evenly poised at 2–2. Malaysia won the first and third matches, while Nepal claimed the second and fourth. The decisive fifth T20I will be played on Wednesday.