KATHMANDU, July 15: Nepal secured a place in the semifinals of the ACC U-19 Women's Premier Cup with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Japan on Wednesday, earning qualification for the upcoming U-19 Women's Asia Cup.
Chasing a target of 87, Nepal reached 87/1 in just 11.2 overs.
Opener Sabitri Dhami anchored the chase with an unbeaten 41, while captain Sony Pakhrin remained not out on 18 to seal the comfortable win. Fellow opener Sana Prabin contributed 18 runs.
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Earlier, Japan, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, struggled against Nepal's disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 86 in 20 overs.
Japan captain Bianca Sino top-scored with an unbeaten 38, while the remaining batters failed to make significant contributions.
For Nepal, Krishma Gurung and Riya Sharma claimed two wickets each as the bowlers, backed by sharp fielding, restricted Japan to a modest total.
Nepal entered the quarterfinals after winning all three of their group-stage matches and carried that momentum into the knockout stage.
They will now face the United Arab Emirates in the semifinals, while Indonesia will take on Thailand in the other last-four clash.
By reaching the semifinals, Nepal, the UAE, Indonesia and Thailand have all secured qualification for the upcoming U-19 Women's Asia Cup.
