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.