The Nepali national women’s cricket team got off to a shaky start in their Asia Cup preparations, falling to a 33-run defeat (D/L method) against the Sri Lankan development squad in their first practice match.
Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 118 runs on the board despite losing eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Nepal’s bowling attack shone brightly, with spinner Sabnam Rai picking up three wickets.
However, rain played spoilsport during Nepal’s chase, forcing a revision of the target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Set a revised target of 96 runs in 15 overs, Nepal’s batting faltered, only managing 63 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Rubina Chhetri top-scored with a fighting 17 runs, while Sita Rana Magar chipped in with 11.
Despite the setback, the Nepali team will have a chance to bounce back. They are scheduled to face the same Sri Lankan development squad again on Wednesday for their second practice match. A third practice match will follow on July 16th before the main event begins.
Nepal’s Asia Cup campaign kicks off on July 19th against the United Arab Emirates. They will face stiff competition in a group that also includes cricketing giants India and Pakistan.
