Jan 16, Kathmandu - Nepal’s women's cricket team suffered a 6-wicket defeat against the USA in the second practice match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers. This marks the second consecutive loss for Nepal in practice games.

After losing the toss, Nepal was invited to bat and scored 136 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs at the Tribhuvan Cricket Ground. The USA successfully chased down the target in the final over.

In their first practice match against Ireland, Nepal managed only 100 runs, resulting in a 99-run defeat. However, in Friday’s match, Nepal’s top order showed significant improvement in their batting performance.

Openers Samjhana Khadka and Bindu Rawal provided Nepal with a strong start, adding 42 runs within the first six overs. Khadka scored 24 runs off 20 balls with three fours, but was run out while attempting a risky single. Rawal scored 19 runs off 28 balls, including three fours, before being run out. Vice-captain Pooja Mahato contributed 17 runs off 15 balls with two fours.

Captain Indu Barma scored 4 runs off 5 balls with one boundary, while Bindu Rawal was dismissed for 27 runs. Other middle-order batters, Kabita Kunwar and Rubina Chhetri, scored 3 and 5 runs respectively before being dismissed. Kabita Joshi and Roma Thapa played key roles in stabilizing the innings.

Joshi scored 20 runs off 14 balls with four fours, and Roma added 19 runs off 14 balls with a boundary and a six. Sita Rana Magar scored just 1 run, while Rajmati Airee and Manisha Upadhyay remained unbeaten with 8 and 1 runs respectively.

For the USA, Taranum Chopra took 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs. Sainavi Reddy bowled 2 overs for 20 runs and took 2 wickets, while Geetika Kodali and Ritu Singh each claimed one wicket. The USA had earlier achieved a stunning victory against Scotland in their first practice match.

After opener Chetna Reddy scored a half-century, the USA chased down the target with five balls remaining. Reddy scored an unbeaten 56 off 46 balls with six fours. Ritu contributed 19 runs off 13 balls with two fours.

Opener Gargi Bhogle scored just 4 runs before being caught by Indu from Somu Bista’s delivery. Ella Claridge scored 14 runs off 14 balls with three fours before being run out, and Isani Vaghela added 20 runs. Captain Aditiba Chudasama scored 13 runs before being dismissed by Rubina Chhetri.

From Nepal, Somu Bista, Rubina Chhetri, and Riya Sharma took one wicket each.