KATHMANDU, Dec 1: Nepali national women's cricket team faced yet another defeat Thursday against fellow associate nation Thailand in the ACC Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup as it succumbed to its fourth straight defeat in a row.
Host Thailand registered a comfortable eight-wicket win over Nepal to achieve its first win of the contest in four matches played at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok. Thailand surpassed a paltry target of 64 runs with four overs to spare scoring 65/2 after it was invited to bowl first.
As in all three previous matches, Nepal's batting woes continued against the only other associated nation of the tournament. Opener Jyoti Pandey became the only Nepali batswoman for the visiting side to score in double digits. She scored 16 runs off 26 balls before being caught by Nattaya Boochatham off Sornnarin Tippoch.
Sita Rana Magar (9), Nary Thapa (7) and Rubina Chhetry (8) were the other contributors for Nepal as it lost other players too cheaply and was bowled out with a ball to spare. Nepal's total also included 11 extra runs as gift from Thailand bowlers.
Sornnarin and Suleeporn Laomi bagged two wickets each for Thailand.
In Thailand's run chase, openers Nattakan Chantam and Sirintra Saengsakaorat gave a solid start to the home team putting up a 46-run stand for the first wicket before the former was sent to the pavillion. Nattakan scored 24 runs off 41 balls while Sirintra remained unbeaten on 27 runs facing 45 deliveries.
Sarita Magar bagged both wickets for Nepal.
The defeat against Thailand is also likely to end Nepal's hopes of returning home with at least a win though Nepal is yet to play against India in its last fixture on Friday. India has presented itself as the strongest team of the tournament and tops the standings with cent percent winning record. India has also already qualified for the final round while Nepal sits at rock bottom with no point. The top two teams among the six participants will vie for the title clash scheduled for Sunday.
Nepal faces third defeat in a row
