Kathmandu, Nov 12: Nepali team captain Pooja Mahato put up an outstanding all-round performance in Nepal’s fifth match of the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers, held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Nepal triumphed over Kuwait by a massive margin of 165 runs. Mahato not only scored a century with the bat but also took five wickets with the ball, becoming the first player in Nepal’s history to achieve both feats in a single match.
In the match held at the Seven Colours Stadium in Ajman, UAE, Nepal won the toss and chose to bat first. Nepal posted a total of 213 runs for the loss of two wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Kuwait could only manage 48 runs in 13 overs, losing all their wickets.
For Kuwait, Jifa Zilani was the highest scorer with 36 runs, including seven boundaries from 42 balls. Apart from Zilani, no other Kuwaiti player was able to reach double figures. Nepal conceded seven extras during the innings.
In bowling, Nepal’s captain Mahato took five wickets, while Rachana Kumari Chaudhary and Seemana KC claimed two wickets each.
Earlier, captain Mahato played a brilliant knock of 130 runs, hitting 17 fours in 69 balls. Sony Pakhreen contributed 43 runs off 33 balls, including two fours, while Sabitri Dhami and Sanaa Praveen added 11 and 6 runs, respectively. Kuwait also gave away 23 extras.
Nepal will next face the UAE on Wednesday. The qualifying tournament features the host UAE, Nepal, Kuwait, and Thailand. The team that finishes at the top of the standings will qualify for the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia. #cricket #nepal
