Nepal clinch Women's T20I Series in Malaysia

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 9: Nepal emerged victorious in the women's bilateral Twenty20 International series against Malaysia, sealing the five-match contest 3–2 with a five-wicket win in the decider on Wednesday at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval.

The series proved to be a topsy-turvy affair. Malaysia edged the opening match by three runs, only for Nepal to bounce back with a six-wicket triumph. The hosts regained the lead with a 13-run win in the third fixture, but Nepal levelled the series 2–2 with another six-wicket victory on Tuesday, setting up a thrilling finale.

Malaysia, electing to bat first after winning the toss, posted 103 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Nepal chased down the 104-run target with 12 balls to spare, finishing on 104 for 5.

Opener Rubi Poddar anchored the innings with a steady 26 off 25 deliveries, while vice-captain Puja Mahato contributed a composed 23 from 24 balls. 

Former skipper Rubina Chhetry guided Nepal home with an unbeaten 15 off 15. Samjhana Kumari Khadka (13) and Kabita Kunwar (14) chipped in with useful cameos. Captain Indu Barma added 8 runs, and Kabita Joshi remained not out on 1.

Malaysia’s bowling attack shared the spoils, with Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Nur Dania Syuhada, Aisya Eleesa Firdauz, and Mahirah Izzati each claiming a wicket.

Earlier, Malaysian captain Winifred Duraisingam led from the front, top-scoring with 40 off 46 balls, including five boundaries. Mahirah Izzati added 19, Ainna Hamizah Hashim made 15, and Nur Dania Syuhada chipped in with 11 to push Malaysia past the 100-run mark.

Nepal’s bowlers were clinical. Kabita Kunwar struck late to finish with impressive figures of 3 for 16 from her full quota. Rajmati Airee made early inroads, snaring three top-order wickets for just 15 runs in her three overs. Rachana Kumari Chaudhary also bagged a wicket to round off a disciplined bowling display.

This marks Nepal’s second T20I series win over Malaysia, having previously triumphed 3–2 during their 2023 tour of Kuala Lumpur.