Nepal Secures Second Consecutive Victory, Defeats Rwanda by 2 Wickets in ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy

Nepal defeated Rwanda by 2 wickets to record their second consecutive win in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy. Nepal chased down the target of 89 runs with two balls remaining, losing 8 wickets in the process. Rwanda was all out for 88 runs, with Rachana Chaudhary taking 3 wickets and Smriti Khadka remaining unbeaten with 48 runs. On April 22, in Kathmandu, during the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy taking place in Rwanda, the Nepalese women’s team won their second consecutive match by defeating the hosts Rwanda by 2 wickets on Wednesday.

With this second win, Nepal has accumulated 4 points from 3 matches. This marks Rwanda’s second loss in four games. After Nepal’s victory, Rwanda, Nepal, and Italy each have 4 points. Based on net run rate, Rwanda holds the top position, Nepal is second, and Italy is third.

Nepal’s opener Smriti Khadka scored the highest individual score with 48 runs. Vice-captain Puja Mahto contributed 13 runs, and Bindhu Rawal added 10 runs, while other batters were unable to reach double figures. Nepal started strongly, and at one stage required only 15 runs from 45 balls with 9 wickets in hand. However, Khadka was dismissed on the fourth ball of the 13th over, triggering a collapse as Nepal lost 7 wickets in the middle order. By the 19th over, Nepal was 86 for 8 wickets.

Subsequently, the number nine batsman, Rachana Chaudhary, remained unbeaten on 9 runs to guide Nepal to victory. Jiorvanis Uwase of Rwanda took 3 wickets. After winning the toss, Rwanda batted first but were all out for 88 runs in 19.4 overs. Alice Ikujwe scored 17 runs for Rwanda. For Nepal, Rachana Chaudhary took 3 wickets while Kavita Kaur and Puja Mahto each claimed 2 wickets. Smriti Khadka was named Player of the Match.

Nepal will play their fourth match on the upcoming Friday against Vautouse.