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Pakistan Hands Nepal 9-wicket Defeat For NRR Boost on Cricketnmore

Pakistan Hands Nepal 9-wicket Defeat For NRR Boost on Cricketnmore

Women Asia Cup: Pakistan inflict 9-wicket defeat on Nepal to boost NRR (Image source: IANS)

Sita Rana Magar: Pakistan women’s cricket team reignited their campaign for the Women’s Asia Cup with a convincing nine-wicket win over Nepal. After losing to India in their opening match, Pakistan needed a win to stay in the race and they delivered a spectacular performance.

Nepal, who were put to bat, started their innings with promise. Samjhana Khadka, who had just made her match-winning half-century against UAE, showed her aggressive intent early by hitting Fatima Sana over extra cover for a boundary on the fourth ball of the innings. However, her aggressive approach led to her undoing when she mistimed a pull shot and offered a simple catch to Nashra Sandhu at short midwicket on the very next delivery.

Despite the early loss, Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar continued Nepal’s aggressive approach, both hitting boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Magar and Kunwar’s efforts took Nepal to a respectable 29 for 1 after four overs.

Pakistan’s bowlers, however, began to tighten their grip on the game. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal was particularly effective, tapping Kunwar on the pads several times before finally getting her behind the ball in her second over. Iqbal struck again in the same over, dismissing Nepal captain Indu Barma with an arm ball that shook the stumps.

Omaima Sohail followed with a maiden over and at the end of the powerplay Nepal were 30 for 3. In the middle overs Pakistan’s bowlers and fielders worked together to stifle Nepal’s progress. Rubina Chhetry grounded Sandhu for a boundary but her run-out dismissal soon after put Nepal even further on the back foot. Another run-out, this time from Magar, added to Nepal’s troubles, leaving them 68 for 5 after 15 overs.

Despite the setbacks, Puja Mahato and Kabita Joshi provided a late revival, with six fours in 18 balls. Mahato’s run-out towards the end of the innings did not deter Joshi, who remained unbeaten and even struck the only six in the last over from Sana’s bowling. Nepal’s energetic finish, aided by some sloppy fielding from Pakistan, saw them score 108 for 6.

Omaima Sohail followed with a maiden over and at the end of the powerplay Nepal were 30 for 3. In the middle overs Pakistan’s bowlers and fielders worked together to stifle Nepal’s progress. Rubina Chhetry grounded Sandhu for a boundary but her run-out dismissal soon after put Nepal even further on the back foot. Another run-out, this time from Magar, added to Nepal’s troubles, leaving them 68 for 5 after 15 overs.

Also read: Akram ‘hopes’ Indian team will travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy

The convincing victory saw Pakistan’s Net Run Rate (NRR) rise to 0.409, taking them to second place in the rankings.