Nepal stay alive with six-wicket win over Zimbabwe

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 25: Nepal Women kept their Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign alive with a composed six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Women at Kirtipur, chasing down a target of 130 with three balls to spare in a Group B encounter on Saturday.

After winning the toss and opting to field, Nepal produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Zimbabwe to 129 for six. The innings was anchored by Kelis Ndhlovu, who struck an unbeaten 52 from 36 deliveries, finding the boundary eight times and providing the only real momentum in an otherwise stuttering Zimbabwean effort.

Zimbabwe’s start was explosive but brief, with captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano blasting eight off just three balls before falling in the first over. Beloved Biza offered resistance with a measured 34 from 35 balls, but regular wickets prevented Zimbabwe from building sustained pressure. Nepal’s bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Puja Mahato, Riya Sharma, Sita Rana Magar and Rubina Chhetry all among the wickets, while Mahato’s economical spell of 1 for 21 stood out.

In reply, Nepal lost early wickets and were briefly checked by tight bowling from Christabel Chatonzwa and Josephine Nkomo. However, Puja Mahato once again proved decisive, guiding the chase with a mature unbeaten 52 from 50 balls. Her innings, which included four fours and two sixes, ensured Nepal remained in control despite periodic interruptions.

Indu Barma supported Mahato with a brisk 22, while useful contributions from the top order helped Nepal stay ahead of the required rate. Although Sita Rana Magar was forced to retire hurt, the depth in Nepal’s line-up ensured there were no late stumbles, and Rubina Chhetry sealed the win alongside Mahato in the final over.

Mahato’s all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award and underlined her growing importance to the Nepal side. The victory earned Nepal two valuable points in Group B, while Zimbabwe were left to reflect on missed opportunities with both bat and ball as the qualifier moves into its decisive phase.

With this victory Nepal has kept their chances alive for qualifying for the T20 world cup. Nepal will play against Scotland on Monday for a must win game.