Women's T-20 International Cricket Series: Nepal defeats Malaysia, takes a 2-1 lead

KATHMANDU, June 1: Nepal emerged victorious in the third match of the Women's T-20 International Cricket Series on Thursday. Nepal defeated Malaysia on their home ground by 27 runs. With the win, Nepal has taken a 2-1 lead in a best-of-five series happening in Malaysia.

After losing the toss and being invited to bat in the third match, Nepal scored 110 runs after losing five wickets in the scheduled over. Malaysia, who went into batting in response, could only make 83 runs after losing 4 wickets in the stipulated over.

Rubina Chhetri Belbasi, the captain of Nepal, scored the highest 27 runs for Nepal. Rubina, who came as the fifth batter, batted aggressively and hit one six and three fours in 15 balls before being run out and returning to the pavilion. 

Similarly, Jyoti Pandey contributed 23 runs for the team. She faced 24 balls and hit three fours. Opener Sita Rana Magar scored 21 runs off 35 balls and Indu Burma scored 20 runs in 30 balls. Opener Kavita Kunwar returned to the pavilion after two runs. Bindu Rawal added three unbeaten runs and Kabita Joshi added one unbeaten run. Nepal also got 13 extra runs. 

Malaysian bowler Nick Nur Atiella took two wickets and Aisa Elisa and Winifred N took one wicket each. Mahirah Ejati Ismail batted excellently for Malaysia who batted back. She came to hold the crease at number four and scored an unbeaten 44 runs. She faced 54 balls and hit 6 fours. Apart from her, only opener Winifred N could score runs in double figures for Malaysia. She returned to the pavilion scoring 20 runs. She faced 38 balls and hit one four. 

Other players from Malaysia could not score runs in double figures. Aina Najwa Abdul Rehman remained unbeaten on nine runs. Bowlers Kabita Kunwar, Sita Rana Magar, and Indu Barma took one wicket each for the Nepalese team.