Nepal-W beat Indonesia, seal semi-final spot

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, May 29: Nepal’s women’s national cricket team secured their second consecutive victory to march into the semi-finals of the Asian Games Qualifiers in Malaysia, defeating Indonesia by four wickets in a tense encounter on Thursday.

The result ensures Nepal progress to the knockout stages as Group B winners with a maximum four points, having already eased past China in their opening fixture. China qualify as runners-up with two points, while Indonesia bow out after losing both of their matches.

Nepal will now face Group A runners-up and tournament hosts Malaysia in Saturday’s semi-finals. Malaysia secured their spot with one win and one defeat, while Thailand topped Group A with four points and will face China in the other semi-final.

Barma anchors the chase

Having elected to bat first at the Bayuemas Oval, Indonesia posted a respectable 113 for four from their 20 overs. In reply, Nepal achieved the 114-run target losing six wickets with just three balls to spare.

It required a captain’s innings from Indu Barma to guide Nepal home after a disastrous start left them reeling at 20 for three in the fifth over. 

Opener Samjhana Khadka was trapped leg-before by Paramitha for one, before vice-captain Puja Mahato was bowled by Ni Made Putri Suwandewi for nine. Rubi Poddar then fell for a duck, becoming Suwandewi’s second lbw victim.

Sony Pakhrin joined her captain to steady the innings, the pair putting on 45 for the fourth wicket. Pakhrin struck three boundaries in a patient 29 off 36 balls before being caught in the 13th over.

Barma then found an able partner in Kabita Kunwar, adding 34 runs before latter fell for a run-a-ball 14 on the first delivery of the 19th over. When former captain Rubina Chhetry was dismissed for a golden duck on the very next ball, Nepal looked to be in serious trouble at 99 for five.

However, Barma and Sita Rana Magar showed composure, adding an unbeaten 15 runs to cross the line. Magar proved crucial, striking three boundaries in a cameo of 13 not out from just six balls, while Skipper Barma anchored the entire innings with an unbeaten 42 from 43 balls, including five fours.

Suwandewi and Ni Ariani were the pick of the Indonesian bowlers, claiming two wickets apiece.

Sakarini's resistance

Earlier in the day, Indonesia recovered well from a shaky start that saw them reduced to two runs for two wickets. Opener Kadek Winda Prastini was run out for a duck off the second ball of the match, and Manisha Upadhayay bowled Rahmawati Pangestuti for one to close out a superb opening over.

Indonesia's recovery was led by captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini, who struck her ninth T20 International half-century. Sakarini carried her bat for a well-made 56 off 62 balls, a knock featured three boundaries. She shared a 65-run third-wicket partnership with Ni Luh Dewi (23), before Upadhayay provided the breakthrough by trapping Dewi lbw.

Sakarini then added a further 36 for the fourth wicket with Suwandewi (13) to push Indonesia to a defendable total. 

Upadhayay was the pick of the Nepali attack, returning exceptionally economical figures of two for 9 from her overs, whilst Riya Sharma claimed one for 17.

The victory maintains Nepal’s historical dominance over Indonesia; the two sides last met in Bangkok in January 2019, where Nepal ran out comfortable 92-run winners.

Men's squad off to Singapore

Meanwhile, Nepal’s men’s national cricket team have departed for Singapore ahead of the Asian Games Men’s Qualifier, which gets underway on 31 May.

The Cricket Association of Nepal hosted a formal farewell ceremony for the squad on Thursday. Nepal have been drawn in Group A alongside Malaysia and China, whilst Group B features Oman, Hong Kong, Bahrain, and hosts Singapore. 

The top two teams from the tournament will qualify for the Asian Games. Nepal begin their campaign against China on Sunday.