Nepal Women Triumph Over UAE in T20 Asia Cup Opener

Samjhana Khadka's unbeaten fifty and Indu Barma’s three-wicket haul powered Nepal to a six-wicket victory over the UAE in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup opener. Chasing 116, Nepal reached the target in 16.1 overs despite some anxious moments induced by UAE's Kavisha Egodage.

Samjhana Khadka made a breezy unbeaten fifty and pacer Indu Barma grabbed three wickets as Nepal outclassed UAE by six wickets to make a winning start to their campaign in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup here on Friday. Khadka (71 not out, 45b, 11x4) played a fine hand to take her side past the target of 116 in 16.1 overs.

The UAE outfit could not contend with the more experienced Nepal bowlers led by Barma (3/19), concluding their innings at a below-par 115 for eight.

Nepal faced some anxious moments, losing three wickets to off-spinner Kavisha Egodage (3/12) after the Power Play.

However, Khadka skillfully guided Nepal’s chase, driving her team past the finish line with her shots around the park.

Earlier, Khushi Sharma (36, 39 balls, 2x4) and Egodage (22, 26b, 2x4) stemmed a slide as UAE found themselves at 38 for three post the Power Play.

Despite their efforts, UAE’s innings stumbled against Nepal’s accurate bowling.

Brief scores: UAE Women: 115/8 in 20 overs (Khushi Sharma 36, Kavisha Egodage 22; Indu Barma 3/19) lost to Nepal: 118/4 in 16.1 overs (Samjhana Khadka 72 not out; Kavisha Egodage 3/12) by six wickets.