Nepal beats Malaysia, wins Women's International T-20 series

KATHMANDU, June 4: Nepal has emerged victorious in the deciding match of the Women's International T-20 Cricket series and has won the series with a 3-2 in a best of five. Nepal defeated Malaysia by three wickets in the final match of the best of five on Sunday.

After losing the toss and being invited to bat first, Malaysia scored 109 runs at the loss of five wickets in the scheduled over. The visiting team Nepal, batting in response, achieved the victory target by scoring 110 runs after losing seven wickets in 19.2 overs.

Opener Wan Julia contributed 47 runs for Malaysia who batted first. She faced 60 balls and hit three fours. Another opener Winifred Anne Duraisingam contributed 24 runs facing 25 balls and hitting four fours. Both shared 38 runs for the opening wicket. Mahirah Izzati Ismail, who came to the crease at number four, scored 20 runs off 31 balls with the help of a four. Malaysia got 12 extra runs. 

Nepalese bowler Kabita Joshi took two wickets and Ishwori Bista took one wicket.

Opener Sita Rana Magar contributed 34 runs for Nepal who came down to bat in reply facing only 37 balls and hit 6 fours. Another opener Kabita Kunwar was dismissed for four runs.

Nepal was under pressure after the number three batswoman Indu Barma returned to the pavilion with five runs and Samjhana Khadka with zero runs. After that, captain Rubina Chhetri Belbasi, who came to hold the crease at number five, tried to hold Nepal's shift. She faced 30 balls and made 23 runs with the help of three fours.

Bindu Rawal was dismissed for five runs while Kabita Joshi also scored five runs. Jyoti Pandey scored 11 unbeaten runs, while Apsari Begam scored 15 unbeaten runs leading Nepal to victory. Nepal got eight extra runs. 

Ainna Hamizah took two wickets and Mahirah Izzati, Winifred, Aisya Eleesa and Nur Dania took one wicket each for Malaysia.