The Nepal women’s team secured a historic win on July 19, Friday.
As they defeated UAE in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 opener in Dambulla. Samjhana Khadka and Indu Barma were the stars of the show for Nepal as they secured their first-ever win in the tournament’s history. Nepal had played 8 matches in 2012 and 2016 editions but failed to win anyone of them.
They were almost set to miss the spot in the 2024 edition but a late tweak in the rules would allow the side to be included in the tournament. Their win also holds significance as they beat a much-fancied UAE team. Nepal had won the toss on the day and they opted to bowl first in the match. There was almost instant success for Nepal as Esha Oza was run out in the second over of the game. The UAE batters were struggling to find any momentum with the bat as Barma and Co. started to chip away the wickets.
Khushi Sharma, who scored 36 off 39 balls, and Kavisha Edodage (22 off 26 balls) offered some resistance and ensured that UAE ended up posting a total of 115 for 8 in their 20 overs.
In the chase, it was the Khadka show from the get-go. The opener was destructive from the start as Nepal raced to 39 in 5 overs. However, Khadka wasn’t getting a lot of support from the other end as Magar, Kunwar, Barma and Chhetri would all fall for single digit scores in the end.
Khadka would then decide the take up the mantle and see her side home in the end as she scored 72 off 45 deliveries and Nepal ended up winning the match by 6 wickets and with 23 balls to spare. Khadka would hit her 11th boundary to seal the win in the end.
What Barma said after the win?
Barma said that the team was very happy after the win and said it was the coach and captain’s call to make Khadka open the batting for Nepal.
“It’s a great win and we are were happy. Thanks to CAN and our fans. It was our coach and captain’s decision to make Samjhana open. We believe she can do well opening the batting. I am very happy with my team. They kept believing and I am very, very happy,” said Barma at the post-match presentation.
Nepal will next face Pakistan on Sunday, July 21.