KATHMANDU: Nepal cruised into the semifinals of the ACC U-19 Women’s Premier Cup 2026 with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Japan.

Electing to bat first, Japan was bundled out for a modest 86 runs in their allotted 20 overs, stifled by a disciplined Nepali bowling attack led by Krishma Gurung (2-6) and Riya Sharma (2-23).

Japan’s captain Bianca Schino top-scored with 38 runs, while only two other batters managed double digits.

Nepal comfortably chased down the 87-run target in just 11.2 overs, finishing at 90/1.

Opener Sabitri Dhami anchored the chase with a brilliant, unbeaten 41 off 32 balls, sealing the emphatic victory alongside solid contributions from Sana Prabin (18) and Soni Pakhrin (18).