The Nepali Women’s Cricket Team suffered a narrow four-wicket defeat against the Sri Lanka Development Squad in their second T20 practice match in Sri Lanka on Wednesday. This comes after their 33-run loss in the first warm-up game.
Batting first, Nepal set a target of 107 runs in their 20 overs. Kabita Kunwar top-scored with a well-played 29 runs, while Captain Indu Barma chipped in with a handy 28. Despite a strong start from the top order, the middle and lower order struggled to capitalize, with only Samjhana Khadka (11 runs) reaching double digits.
In reply, the Sri Lanka Development Squad chased down the target with just one ball to spare, losing six wickets along the way. Openers Senarathne (27 runs) and Imika Mendis (17 runs) provided a solid foundation, while Sandeepani’s 19 runs kept them on track. However, the drama unfolded in the final overs. Sri Lanka needed 20 runs for victory, and Malki Madara stepped up to the challenge, smashing a crucial 16 runs off just six balls to seal the win for her team.
For Nepal, bowlers Kritika Marasini, Indu Barma, Kabita Joshi, and Sabnam Rai each managed to take one wicket.
Despite the back-to-back losses, the Nepali team will have a chance to regroup and refine their strategies during the next five days of practice sessions scheduled at Colts and Moore grounds. Their final T20 warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Development Squad is set for July 16th.
The much-anticipated ACC Women’s Asia Cup kicks off in Sri Lanka on July 19th. Nepal has been placed in Group A alongside powerhouse teams like India, Pakistan, and UAE. These practice matches will be a valuable opportunity for the Nepali Women’s Cricket Team to gain valuable experience and momentum as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
