In one of the most interesting match of the ACC Women’s Tournament at Johar Bahru, Malaysia, Nepal was forced a tie against hosts Malaysia at the PTI Ground. The match, however, will not only be remembered for the gripping climax but also for the poor umpiring.
Photo Courtesy Asian Cricket Council
With 13 balls and two wickets remaining to score a winning run, Nepal was close to victory and a semifinal berth when Alessandra Lise Shunmugam grabbed two wickets to deny Nepal a victory. She forced Nira Rajopadhyay (9) step forward and miss for a stumping and got last woman Keshari Chaudhary caught brilliantly for an amazing comeback.
Though Nepal failed at the end, it was indeed a comeback for Nepal also. After wrecked to 52/8 in 20 overs, Nepal were sensing a defeat. But Nira and Sita Rana played patiently to stay at the crease and get runs. They took Nepal close adding 21 runs for the ninth wicket.
Earlier, Nepal’s openers Ritu Kanoujiya and Manisha Rawal gave Nepal a brilliant start adding 29 runs. Manisha (13) and the match was stopped at 11.4 overs – two balls remaining for the minimum over requirement for a result. Nepal were 35/1 – in a position to win.
After the play resumed without condition being any better, Malaysia were in different mood and Nepali batswomen felt difficult to play in diminishing light – they appealed for bad light but were rejected. Within minutes of the resumption thanks to two run-outs in two balls – first of Madhu Thapa and another run-out four balls later. Nepal were 42 for 4 in the 14 th over. That became 45 for 5 and then 52 for 8 before finally Nira and Sita got Nepal back on track.
Earlier, winning the toss Malaysia opted to bat first. Led by skipper Arina Binti Abdul Rahim’s 16 runs Malaysia made 73/9 in 30 overs. Nepali women failed to repeat the bowling performance of the earlier match and gave away 21 extra runs to help Malaysia’s cause. Nira was the most successful bowler for Nepal with four wickets to her name. Skipper Nary Thapa took three Nitu Thapa Magar claimed a couple of wickets.
Nepal face Hong Kong, a team that has already confirmed a place in semifinal with wins over Thailand and Malaysia, in a crucial tie.