Kathmandu, Feb 1: Nepal endured its second consecutive defeat in the Women's T20 Tri-Nation Series, falling to Thailand by four wickets in a match played at the Tribhuvan University ground in Kirtipur on Saturday. Earlier, Nepal had lost its opening match to the Netherlands on Thursday.
With this victory, Thailand climbed to the top of the points table with four points from two matches. The Netherlands, which had defeated Nepal but lost to Thailand, stands in second place with two points. Meanwhile, host nation Nepal remains at the bottom of the table, yet to secure a win.
Thailand's Chase Led by Koncharoenkai's Half-Century
Chasing a target of 102 runs, Thailand reached the target in 19 overs, losing six wickets along the way. Nannapat Koncharoenkai anchored the chase with an unbeaten half-century, scoring 60 runs off 58 balls.
Suvanan Khiato contributed 14 runs off 10 balls, while captain Naruemol Chaiwai added 13 runs off 21 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled, failing to reach double-digit scores.
Nepal’s struggles with the Bat
Earlier, Nepal had a poor start after winning the toss and electing to bat first. The team managed to post 101 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs.
Opener Samjhana Khadka was dismissed for a duck on just the second ball of the innings, while her opening partner Mamta Chaudhary also failed to make an impact, departing for just two runs. Nepal was reeling at 11 runs when Chaudhary was dismissed.
Captain Indu Barma, who was the third batter to fall, contributed 15 runs off 17 balls, hitting two boundaries. Pooja Mahato (6) and Rubina Chhetri (4) also failed to build partnerships, leaving Nepal in deep trouble at 40/5.
Kabita Kunwar and Bindu Rawal then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Rawal was bowled in the 17th over after scoring 25 runs off 25 balls, including three fours. Soon after, Kunwar also fell while attempting a scoop shot, having made 25 runs off 32 balls with two fours.
Sita Rana Magar managed just two runs from four balls, while Kavita Joshi, in the final over, scored 8 runs off 9 balls, including a six.
Thailand's Bowling Performance
Thailand's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Thipatcha Phutthawong leading the attack, claiming 3 wickets for just 17 runs in four overs. Phannita Maya and Nattaya Boochatham took two wickets each, while Chanida Sutthiruang chipped in with one.
Nepal will look to bounce back in its upcoming match against the Netherlands tomorrow, but with two losses in as many games, the team faces an uphill battle in the tournament.