KUALA LUMPUR: A superb all-round performance from Kabita Kunwar and a composed, unbeaten knock by opener Samjhana Khadka guided the Nepal Women’s national cricket team to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Malaysia Women at the Bayuemas Oval on Friday.

With this dominant win, Nepal swept the two-match T20I series 2-0.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the hosts struggled to find any momentum against a disciplined Nepali bowling attack. Malaysia collapsed to a meager 82/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Nepal’s bowlers set the tone early. Player of the Match Kabita Kunwar was nearly unplayable, ripping through the top order to dismiss Elsa Hunter (6) and captain Mas Elysa (7).

Kunwar finished with exceptional figures of 2 for 10 from her 4 overs, conceding at an economy rate of just 2.50.
Riya Sharma pile-pushed the pressure in the middle overs, picking up 2 for 14, including two wickets in the 8th over to remove Mahirah Izzati Ismail (3) and Nur Dania Syuhada (0).

Only Ainna Hamizah Hashim (17 off 30 balls) and Dhanusri Muhunan (15 off 20) offered any sustained resistance, but periodic strikes kept Malaysia firmly on the back foot.

Chasing a modest target of 83, Nepal faced an early wobble when opener Kabita Joshi fell for a duck in the very first over to Nur Dania Syuhada.

Puja Mahato (8) and Sony Pakhrin (12) were also dismissed relatively cheaply, leaving Nepal at 41/3 in the 10th over.

However, opener Samjhana Khadka remained rock solid at one end. She anchored the innings beautifully with an unbeaten 39 off 37 deliveries, including 3 boundaries.

Kunwar then joined Khadka to seal the game. Displaying great intent, Kunwar struck a brisk, unbeaten 19 off 20 balls.

The duo put together an unbroken 42-run partnership, comfortably steering Nepal home to 83/3 with 24 balls to spare.

Nepal Women win the 2-match bilateral T20I series 2-0.