Nepal played eight games in the Women’s Asia Cup in 2012 and 2016 but didn’t win any. They didn’t qualify for the 2018 and 2022 editions. They almost missed the 2024 tournament too, but a last-minute rule change in March 2024 allowed them to participate. Now, they’ve won their first-ever game in the competition.

Opening batter Samjhana Khadka delivered a stellar performance with an unbeaten 45-ball 72, leading Nepal to a solid six-wicket win over the UAE in the first match of the Asia Cup 2024 on Friday (July 19) in Dambulla.

Choosing to bowl first, Nepal’s bowlers and fielders were sharp, limiting UAE to a below-par score of 115 on a good batting pitch. Khadka’s standout innings was crucial as Nepal chased down the target with 23 balls to spare, marking their first-ever win in the Asia Cup.

The difference in approach

UAE’s batting fell short due to a lack of solid partnerships. Khushi Sharma (36 off 39) and Kavisha Egodage (22 off 26) fought hard, but their innings lacked momentum. In contrast, Nepal showed clear intent and applied consistent pressure. Their bowling and fielding were solid, with only a few minor lapses.

UAE’s struggles early on

In the initial six overs, UAE scored quickly but lost three wickets. Skipper Indu Barma (3-19) took the crucial wicket of Theertha Satish, and UAE captain Esha Rohit Oza was run out. Despite some boundaries, the loss of wickets put Nepal in a strong position.

Middle overs: UAE’s batting woes

After the fielding restrictions ended, UAE struggled to maintain the run rate. They found it hard to rotate the strike and hit boundaries frequently. Nepal’s bowlers kept things tight, slowing down the scoring.

Ending on a low note

UAE hoped for a total above 120 but finished poorly. With only one boundary in the final five overs, Nepal’s bowlers remained disciplined, and UAE’s batters couldn’t accelerate. UAE ended with a total well below 120.

Nepal’s confident chase

Nepal’s chase began with Samjhana hitting two boundaries in the first over. They scored just a run more than UAE in the first six overs but managed to keep their wickets intact, putting pressure on UAE to defend a low score. Samjhana’s aggressive play set the tone for the chase.

Middle Overs: samjhana steady

Despite UAE taking a few wickets in the middle overs, they couldn’t build on their success. Samjhana continued to play aggressively, keeping the scoreboard moving and making it hard for UAE to gain momentum.

Quick finish

With just 16 runs needed from the last 30 balls, Samjhana finished the game with a flourish. Nepal completed the chase in just seven more deliveries, boosting their net run rate and morale with a swift victory.

UAE-W vs NEP-W Match Preview

The Women’s Asia Cup is a premier cricketing event held among Asian nations, and this is the tournament’s ninth edition, which will be played in T20I format. Full member nations India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka qualified directly, while the UAE, Malaysia, Thailand, and Nepal qualified through the ACC Premier League 2024. Nepal and the UAE have not had much success in T20Is against big nations, and they will be hoping that this tournament will provide an opportunity to match them. Both teams will be looking for a strong start to the tournament to boost their confidence.

UAE-W vs NEP-W Match Details

UAE-W vs Nepal-W – 01st Match, Women’s Asia Cup-2024

Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla

Date & Time: 19th July 2024 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Star Sports

UAE-W vs NEP-W Venue Stats

UAE-W vs NEP-W Pitch Report

Dambulla will be a slow track with spinner assistance, and the ball’s bounce will be variable. In this match, we expect the bat-ball balance to tilt towards the ball, with average scores ranging from 150 to 170 runs.

UAE-W vs NEP-W Weather Report

There is no chance of rain on match day. It will be overcast, and the temperature will be around 20 degrees.

UAE-W vs NEP-W Last Five Matches

UAE-W vs NEP-W Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Former Sri Lanka Under-19 skipper Dhammika Niroshana shot dead at age 41

UAE-W vs NEP-W Probable Playing XIs:

Nepal-W Probable Playing XIs

Sita Rana, Kabita Kunwar, Indu Barma, Rubina Chhetry, Dolly Bhatta/ Pooja Mahuto, Kabita Joshi, Sangita Rai, Kajal Shreshtha, Bindu Rawal, Roma Thapa, Apsari Begum

UAE-W Probable Playing XIs

Esha Oza, Kavisha Edogage, Theertha Sathish, Khushi Sharma, Dharnidharka, Hotchandani, Mehak Thakur, Kotti, Vaishnavi Mahesh, Sita Gokhale, Rinitha Rajith

Topmost Picks for UAE-W vs NEP-W Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Nepal-W

Top Picks – UAE-W

• Esha Oza – Esha Oza scored the bulk of runs for the team and recently led from the front in the ACC Premier Cup.
• Hotchandini – Hotchandini led the bowling attacks with 13 wickets in the ACC Premier Cup.

UAE-W vs NEP-W Probable Winners:

UAE has a strong top order capable of scoring big runs, as well as a deep batting lineup. Their bowlers were on target in the previous tournament. Nepal lacks batsmanship, but put on a spirited performance with the ball in the ACC Premier Cup, but fell short of reaching the semifinals. We expect the UAE to win this match. Considering the team combination, UAE-W are expected to win this match.