Nepali girls pulled out an unexpected result beating favorites Hong Kong by seven wickets to reach the semifinal of the ACC Women’s Tournament at Johar Bahru, Malaysia on Sunday.
The youngsters bowled out experienced Hong Kong for only 31 runs in 23.5 overs with captain Nary Thapa and Nira Rajopadhyay taking three wickets each. Nepal achieved the victory in 23.5 overs losing only three wickets.
With the win, Nepal topped Group B with 10 points ahead of Hong Kong who has 8 points. Nepal will now play Group A runners-up China on Tuesday while Hong Kong meets Test-nation Bangladesh.
The Happiness of bowling out Hong Kong for 31.
At Johar Cricket Academy ground, Hong Kong won the toss and elected to bat first. Their key player and captain Neisha Pratt, with playing experiences of New Zealand, was out in the third over caught behind by Mamta Thapa of Sita Rana Magar.
With the captain gone early, Hong Kong went low against Nepal’s brilliant bowling. Apart from Keenu Gill, who played 41 deliveries for 10 runs, no Hong Kong batswomen crossed five. Hong Kong’s innings ended in 23.5 overs with 31 runs on board with only two runs as extras – a leg bye and a no-ball.
Captain Nary and Nira continued their form with the ball taking three wickets each. Nary now has 10 wickets from three matches while Nira has nine. They were the batswomen who returned unbeaten taking Nepal to victory.
Nary and Nira – the keys. All Above Photos courtesy of Pabitra Raut/Nepal Sports Jouralists Forum
Nary hit a four to pull off a win while Nira remained on naught. Earlier, Manisha Rawal and Ritu Kanoujiya played patiently saving wickets. When Ritu (3) was out in 11th over, Nepal had only scored 10 runs. Manisha (10) and Madhu Thapa (11) then added 19 runs for second wicket to take Nepal close to victory. Left-arm spinner Chan Sar Hu got them out but it was already too late.
“The wicket was good for bowling and we bowled well,†captain Nary said after the win. “But we have to improve our batting that we will do in the semifinal.†Coach Jung Bahadur Thapa added that his team is improving with every match and if it continued, Nepal could lift the trophy.
Nepal’s Development Officer Rumesh Ratnayake (match referee) with captains of two sides. Photo HKCA
“I’m the happiest person,†manager LB Chhetri reacted. “Our girls gave a recognition to the nation with their talent and showed that they are on par with other countries.â€Â
ACC WOMENâ€ÂS TOURNAMENT
TUESDAY’S SEMIFINALS
Nepal vs China at JCA
Bangladesh vs Hong Kong at IPTI