Nepal has kept its hopes of reaching the Super-6 stage alive by defeating Zimbabwe in the third group-stage match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. After suffering defeats in their first two matches, the Nepali women’s team registered their first win of the tournament with a convincing six-wicket victory on Saturday.
With this loss, Zimbabwe exited the competition from the group stage without a single point. Earlier, Nepal had lost their opening match to Thailand by eight wickets and the second match to the Netherlands by a narrow margin of two runs.
Nepal will now face Scotland in their final group match on Monday. A win with a better net run rate could secure Nepal’s place in the Super-6 stage, while a loss or weaker net run rate would end their campaign in the group stage.
At the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal won the toss and elected to field. Batting first, Zimbabwe scored 129 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Kelis Ndhlovu top-scored with 52 runs, while Wilbeld Vizha added 34. For Nepal, Riya Sharma took two wickets, while Kabita Kunwar, Pooja Mahato, Sita Rana Magar, and Rubina Chhetri claimed one wicket each.
Chasing a target of 130 runs, Nepal reached the total in 19.3 overs, losing four wickets. Vice-captain Pooja Mahato played a match-winning unbeaten innings of 52 runs off 50 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Rubina Chhetri remained not out on 2. Opener Bindu Rawal was dismissed for 15, captain Indu Barma scored 22 before being bowled, and Sita Rana Magar retired hurt on 11 due to injury.
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