Nepal lost to Namibia in their opening match of the Women’s Day Cup, posting a total of 92 runs. Namibia successfully chased a revised target of 71 runs after rain interrupted their innings. Nepal’s bowlers bagged wickets but could not secure the win. The team still has opportunities in upcoming matches against Uganda and Hong Kong.
On Saturday, Nepal commenced their Women’s Day Cup campaign with a loss against Namibia at Entebbe Cricket Oval. In another match, hosts Uganda triumphed over Hong Kong. Nepal, batting first after winning the toss, struggled to reach a mere total of 92 runs, marking their inaugural encounter against Namibia in women’s cricket.
Key contributions from Nepal’s batting lineup included opener Samjhana Khadka, who scored 18 runs off 11 balls, and Kabita Joshi, who added 16 runs off 31 deliveries. Additionally, Ishwari Bist remained not out with a score of 17 runs off 14 balls. However, the team’s performance was significantly hampered by Wilka Mwatile and Mekelanye Mwatile, who each captured three wickets in four overs while maintaining exceptional bowling economies of 17 and 12 runs.
In light of the rain interruption during Namibia’s innings, the target was revised to 71 runs from 15 overs after they scored 39 runs for one wicket in eight overs. Namibia successfully chased this reduced target with six wickets remaining and only two balls to spare. Mekelanye Mwatile, besides her impressive bowling, also top-scored for Namibia with 26 runs before being dismissed.
Notably, Jurriene Diergaardt remained unbeaten at the end with 13 runs, ensuring Namibia’s victory. Nepal’s bowlers, including Mahato, Joshi, skipper Indu Barma, and Bist, each claimed one wicket, but their efforts fell short. Prior to their trip to Uganda, both Barma and coach Manoj Katwal expressed optimism about winning the series. Despite the initial defeat, Nepal still has the opportunity to claim the series as they have five remaining matches formatted in a double round-robin style.
Nepal’s loss to Namibia in the opening match of the Women’s Day Cup underscores the challenges they faced with both batting and bowling. Despite a disappointing start, the team retains five additional matches to turn around their performance in the tournament. The upcoming games against Uganda and Hong Kong could be critical for Nepal’s aspirations to secure a series victory.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com