Nepal Suffers Narrow 2-Run Defeat Against Netherlands

Kathmandu. Nepal was defeated by the Netherlands by 2 runs in a thrilling match held today at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur under the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers.

Chasing a challenging target of 141 runs for victory, Nepal could only manage 138 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the allotted 20 overs, resulting in a shocking defeat on home soil. This is Nepal's second consecutive loss.

Nepal's Rubina Chhetry scored the highest with 37 runs, hitting five boundaries in 32 balls. Sita Rana Magar contributed 27 runs off 12 balls, including four boundaries and one six, but could not avert the team's defeat. Nepal needed 13 runs for victory in the final over, but Rubina and Sita, who were at the crease, could only manage 10 runs.

Additionally, opener Bindu Rawal added 18 runs, Samjhana Khadka 14, and Kabita Joshi 13 runs. For the Netherlands, Isabel van der Woning took three wickets, while Caroline de Lange, Silver Siegers, and Robine Rijke took one wicket each.

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, the Netherlands posted a total of 140 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Netherlands captain Babette de Leede scored the highest with 49 runs.

Sterre Kalis added 30 runs, Robine Rijke 19, and Iris Zwilling 14 runs. Nepal's Rubina Chhetry took two wickets, while Somu Bista, Puja Mahato, and Riya Sharma took one wicket each. Previously, Nepal had suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Thailand in their first match of the tournament. Nepal will now compete against Zimbabwe on January 24.