Nepal secures strong start in U-19 T20 WC qualifiers

The Nepali women’s U-19 cricket team made a strong start in the ICC U-19 T20 World Cup Asian Qualifiers, defeating Thailand by 67 runs in Dubai on Wednesday. Defending a target of 103, Nepal bowled out Thailand for just 35 runs.

Rachana Kumari Chaudhary was the standout performer with the ball, taking four wickets for 10 runs, while Puja and Riya Sharma each took two wickets. Krishna Gurung and Manisha Kumari Upadhayay also contributed with one wicket each, keeping Thailand’s score low.

Thailand’s Aphisara Suwanchonrathi was the only player to reach double figures, scoring 13 runs off 23 balls, while the rest of the team struggled against Nepal’s bowling attack.

Nepal, batting first, scored 102 runs for six wickets in their 20 overs. Captain Puja Mahato led the way with 35 runs off 40 balls, supported by Seemana KC and Sonu Pakhrin, who each scored 19. Thailand’s Charukan Saema took two wickets, while Sunisa Bongkodphongampai claimed one.

Nepal is set to face Kuwait on Nov 7 and the UAE on Nov 9 in the double round-robin tournament. Finishing first in the points table would secure Nepal’s spot in the 2025 U-19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia.