Nepal’s women’s cricket team etched their names in history on Friday, registering their first-ever victory in the Asia Cup with a dominant six-wicket win over UAE in Dambulla. The architect of this remarkable win was none other than opening batter Samjhana Khadka, who played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 72 runs off just 45 balls.
Electing to bowl first, Nepal displayed exceptional bowling and fielding discipline, restricting UAE to a modest total of 115 on a batting-friendly pitch. The bowlers did their job with collective effort, making it difficult for the UAE batters to score freely.
However, the true story of the match was written with the bat by Samjhana Khadka. Her unbeaten knock, laced with power and elegance, was the cornerstone of Nepal’s chase. Khadka dominated the strike rate, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking and putting the UAE bowlers under constant pressure. There were crucial partnerships built along the way, but it was Khadka’s innings that truly steered the chase home.
Chasing a target of 116, Nepal never looked in serious trouble. With 23 balls to spare, they comfortably sealed the victory, showcasing their all-around dominance. This emphatic win not only secured their first Asia Cup win but also provided a significant boost to their net run rate in the tournament.
The victory is a monumental moment for Nepal’s women’s cricket. It serves as a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and the strides they have been making in recent times. Coach Sanjay Barma’s girls will be brimming with confidence after this emphatic win, and they will hope to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
