Nepal edge Rwanda for second win

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 23: Nepal secured their second victory in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, defeating hosts Rwanda by two wickets in Kigali on Wednesday.

After losing their opener to the USA, Nepal bounced back with a win over Italy before overcoming Rwanda at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B.

Rwanda, electing to bat first, were dismissed for 88 in 19.4 overs. Nepal chased down the target in the same number of overs, finishing on 89 for eight. Openers Samjhana Khadka and Bindu Rawal laid the platform with a 51-run stand. Rawal fell lbw for 10, while Khadka top-scored with 48 off 42 balls, striking seven boundaries before departing in the 13th over with Nepal on 74.

The chase faltered as Nepal lost five wickets cheaply in pursuit of the remaining 15 runs. 

Vice-captain Puja Mahato steadied the innings with 13 before being dismissed with the score on 85. 

Captain Indu Barma, Kabita Joshi and Rubi Poddar managed just one apiece, Rubina Chhetri added two, and Kabita Kunwar departed without scoring. Rachana Chaudhary remained unbeaten on three.

For Rwanda, Geovanis Uwase claimed three wickets, while Giselle Ishimwe and Henriette Ishimwe took two each.Earlier, Rwanda’s batting faltered despite contributions from Alice Ikuzwe (17), Merveille Uwase (15), Clarisse Uwase (13) and Rosine Irera (12). 

Extras from Nepal’s bowlers added 18 runs, with the only notable partnership being a 28-run stand for the third wicket between Ikuzwe and Merveille.

Chaudhary was Nepal’s standout bowler, taking three wickets for 12. 

Kunwar and Mahato picked up two apiece, while Manisha Upadhayay and Riya Sharma chipped in with one each.

Nepal next face Vanuatu on 24 April, followed by fixtures against the USA, Rwanda, Vanuatu and Italy on 26, 28, 30 April and 1 May respectively.