Maintaining its cent percent winning streak after third match, Nepal occupies top spot and could confirm silver irrespective of any outcome against Sri Lanka, the toughest opponent for the home team, in the next match. But a victory over the islanders in the last match will ensure gold for Nepal. The tournament, being held in round-robin format, features five teams of South Asia and top team after the end of league will be crowned the champion.Sri Lanka has won only two matches so far and will take on Bangladesh in its third match on Friday while the Maldives will play against Bhutan.
Nepal was at ease from the onset against Bhutan on Thursday and took lead in all four quarters 24-9, 34-6, 16-7, 16-10 to wrap up the victory. Nepal had also registered comfortable wins over Bangladesh (92-26) and the Maldives (77-37) in its first two matches.
Nepal's coach Bikash Shahi pointed out that it was the best match Nepal played in the tournament. "Though we had easily won our previous matches, I was not satisfied with the performance. But the team came up with brilliant performance against Bhutan," he said.
Bhawana Lama contributed highest 21 points for the home team while Sneha Shrestha and Looniva Singh scored equal 14 points. Anusha Malla added 12 points. Elisha Malla netter three pointers thrice while Maya Syangtan, Bhawana Lama and Gyanu Gauchan also netted a-three pointer each.
Coach Shahi said that he had taken Bhutan encounter as the final preparation for Sri Lanka match. "I have been saying since the beginning that Sri Lanka is out key opponent and we are ready to face them. However, we need to make improvement in shooting."
Shahi's counterpart Sona Tashi of Bhutan pointed out gradual improvement in his team and also lauded their opponents. "It was our first international tournament and we played better in the last two quarters. Nepal is a strong team and we should be happy for the score of last two quarters against such mighty opponent," he said.
Unlike Bhutan, it was second international tournament for Nepali eves after the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
Earlier, the Maldives overcame Bangladesh 62-28 leading all four quarters 17-4, 11-6, 20-10, 14-8.
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