Nepal Women Triumph Over UAE with Stellar Performances in Women's Asia Cup Opener

Nepal Women defeated UAE Women by six wickets in the Women's Asia Cup 2024, thanks to an unbeaten 72 by Samjhana Khadka and a three-wicket haul by captain Indu Barma. This historic win marks Nepal's first-ever victory in the competition.

Nepal Women upset the United Arab Emirates Women by six wickets in the opening match of the Women's Asia Cup 2024 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday. Opener Samjhana Khadka scored an unbeaten 72, while skipper Indu Barma amassed a crucial three-wicket haul.

Khadka's 72 not out came following her outstanding performance in Nepal's local Twenty20 competition, the Lalitpur Mayor Women's Championship, where she was the top run-scorer. Despite having never opened in her previous 16 T20I matches, the decision to promote her paid off as she became the first Nepali batter to score 50 in the Women's Asia Cup, achieving the milestone in just 35 balls.

Nepal's bowlers were equally instrumental in the victory. Seamers Kabita Kunwar and Sabnam Rai made early breakthroughs, while Indu Barma was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 19 runs. The victory was monumental as it marked Nepal's first-ever win in the Women's Asia Cup, thanks to the rule change that allowed them a last-minute entry into the tournament.