KUALA LUMPUR: Skipper Indu Barma played a crucial captain’s knock to guide Nepal Women to a tense four-wicket victory over Indonesia Women with just three balls to spare at the Bayuemas Oval on Thursday.

With this victory, Nepal Women have secured their spot in the semifinals of the Asian Games Women’s Qualifiers.

Chasing a target of 114, Nepal’s top order faltered early, collapsing to 20 for 3 within the first five overs.

Openers Samjhana Khadka (1) and Puja Mahato (9), along with keeper Rubi Poddar (0), were dismissed cheaply by a disciplined Indonesian attack led by Ni Made Putri Suwandewi.

However, a stabilising 45-run partnership between Sony Pakhrin (29 off 36 balls) and Indu Barma breathed life back into the chase.

Just as Nepal seemed to claw their way to safety, Ni Ariani struck twice in consecutive balls in the 19th over, removing Kabita Kunwar (14) and Rubina Chhetry (0) to leave Nepal reeling at 99 for 6.

With the pressure mounting, Barma found an aggressive partner in veteran Sita Rana Magar, who smashed a blistering 13 off just 6 balls.

Barma remained unbeaten on a resilient 42 off 43 balls (including 5 boundaries) to steer Nepal across the finish line in the final over.

Earlier in the day, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Indonesia posted a competitive 113 for 4 in their 20 overs.

Skipper and wicketkeeper Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini carried the innings with a solid, unbeaten half-century, scoring 56 off 62 balls.

She was well-supported by Ni Luh Dewi, who contributed 23.

Nepal’s bowling attack put on a tight display early on, spearheaded by Manisha Upadhayay, who delivered an exceptionally economical spell, taking 2 wickets for just 9 runs in her 4 overs.

Riya Sharma also chipped in with a wicket, keeping the Indonesian scoring rate under check during the middle overs.

For her unbeaten 42-run masterclass under pressure, Nepal captain Indu Barma was named Player of the Match.