KIRTIPUR, Feb 7: The Women’s Tri-Nation T20I Series concluded on Friday with Thailand emerging as the dominant force, securing the championship with an emphatic seven-wicket victory over hosts Nepal at the TU Ground in Kirtipur. The result marked a disappointing campaign for Nepal, who failed to register a single win in the series, finishing at the bottom of the table.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Nepal struggled yet again with the bat, managing a modest total of 81 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The batting lineup, which had underperformed throughout the series, once again failed to capitalize on key moments.
Opener Samjhana Khadka was Nepal’s top scorer with 17 runs off 29 balls, hitting a lone boundary. Kabita Joshi provided a late flourish, scoring 14 off 12 balls, including a six and a four. Captain Indu Barma contributed 10 runs, while Rajmati Airee remained unbeaten on 11 off 17 deliveries. Veteran batter Rubina Chhetri, who had struggled for form throughout the series, was dismissed for just one run, summing up Nepal’s batting woes.
Thailand’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Onicha Kamchomfu, proved too strong for the home side. Kamchomfu claimed three wickets, while Chanida Sutthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham, and Suleeporn Laomi chipped in with a wicket each to restrict Nepal to an under-par total.
Nepal faces 70-run defeat at the hand of host Thailand
Chasing 82 for victory, Thailand paced their innings well, reaching the target in 17 overs with seven wickets in hand. Captain Naruemol Chaiwai led from the front, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 27 off 34 balls, including two fours. Nannapat Khoncharoenkai provided solid support, scoring 23 off 32 balls. Nepal’s bowlers, led by Indu Barma (2 wickets) and Puja Mahato (1 wicket), fought hard but lacked the firepower to defend the modest total.
Series Overview
The Tri-Nation series saw Thailand finish at the top of the table with 10 points, winning five out of their six matches. The Netherlands, despite strong performances, ended second with 8 points, while Nepal failed to secure a single point.
Nepal’s campaign began with a 20-run defeat to the Netherlands, followed by a four-wicket loss to Thailand in their second match. In the third game, Nepal once again fell short against the Netherlands by 15 runs. Their narrowest defeat came in the fourth game against Thailand, losing by just five runs, but their batting collapse continued in the fifth match where they suffered a crushing 10-wicket loss to the Dutch.
What’s Next for Nepal?
Nepal’s winless campaign raises serious concerns about their batting depth and ability to compete at the international level. The lack of partnerships, frequent collapses, and failure to chase modest targets highlight areas that need urgent attention. With upcoming tournaments on the horizon, Nepal will need to reassess their squad, work on their batting stability, and build confidence against higher-ranked opponents.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s dominant run reinforces their status as one of the strongest emerging teams in women’s cricket, while the Netherlands showed resilience throughout the series.
The series showcased thrilling cricket, but for Nepal, it was a tournament of lessons rather than victories. They now face the challenge of regrouping and coming back stronger in their next international assignment.
