KATHMANDU: Nepal’s top order suffered a devastating collapse, leaving the team struggling at 19/4 after the six-over Powerplay in their chase of 110 runs against Hong Kong, China, during Match 24 of the ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup in Mantin, Malaysia.

Earlier, Nepal elected to field and restricted Hong Kong to 109/3 in their 20 overs.

Yasmin Daswani top-scored with an unbeaten 42 alongside Marina Lamplough (18), while Mariko Hill made 29 before falling to Riya Sharma, who also ran out captain Natasha Miles (6).

Kary Chan contributed 11 before being dismissed by Rubina Chhetry.

Nepal’s chase began catastrophically against a clinical spell from medium-pacer Iqra Sahar, who took 3/4 in three overs.

Bindu Rawal, Puja Mahato, and Rubi Poddar were all dismissed for ducks, while Samjhana Khadka managed just 3 before falling to Alison Siu.

Reduced to 7/4, captain Indu Barma (6*) and Sony Pakhrin (10*) combined for an unbeaten 12-run stand to steady the ship.

As play continues, the equation for Nepal stands at 91 runs required from 84 balls, with the asking rate currently hovering at 6.5 runs per over.