KATHMANDU, Feb 5: The Netherlands cruised to a dominating 10-wicket victory over Nepal in the Women’s T20 Tri-Series at TU Cricket Ground. Nepal’s struggles continued as they suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in the tournament.
Chasing a target of 146, the Dutch openers made light work of the run chase, reaching the target without losing a wicket. Sterre Kalis starred with an unbeaten 98 off 69 balls, smashing 11 fours and two sixes. She was well supported by fellow opener Phebe Moelkenboer, who scored a steady 48 off 49 deliveries, including four boundaries.
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Earlier, Nepal posted 145/4 in their allotted 20 overs, their highest total in the ongoing series. Pooja Mahato led the charge with a well-compiled 62 off 51 balls, striking five fours. Captain Indu Barma contributed 39 off 37 balls, also hitting five boundaries, while Rubina Chhetri added a quick 20 off 17 deliveries, including three fours.
However, Nepal's lackluster bowling and fielding proved costly against the superior Dutch side. For the Netherlands, Iris Zwilling was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/25 in four overs, while Caroline de Lange and Heather Siegers claimed a wicket each.
With this victory, the Netherlands moved to second place in the standings with six points from five matches. Nepal remains winless at the bottom of the table with no points from five games. Thailand leads the standings with eight points, having secured four wins—two each against the Netherlands and Nepal.
The final matches of the series will see both Nepal and the Netherlands take on table-toppers Thailand. The Dutch team will face Thailand tomorrow, while Nepal will play their last match of the series on February 7.
