Nepal Women’s Cricket Team Defeated by Malaysia in Asian Games Semifinals

May 29, Kathmandu – In the Asian Games women’s cricket qualifiers, Nepal was defeated by Malaysia in the semifinal match. Malaysia successfully chased down Nepal’s target of 127 runs with eight balls remaining, losing eight wickets in the process. Elsa Hunter anchored Malaysia’s victory by scoring 48 runs off 24 balls, including 10 fours and 1 six. Hunter had previously delivered a standout performance against Nepal in the 2024 ACC Premier Cup semifinals, where Malaysia defeated Nepal by four wickets.

Other key contributors for Malaysia included Dhanushree Muhunan with 21 runs, Aina Hamiza scoring 18, and Mahira Izzati adding 14 runs. Although Nepal improved their bowling towards the end, it was not enough to secure a win. At 15 overs, Nepal had restricted Malaysia to 114-4. Riya Sharma took two wickets in the 16th over, followed by Sita Ranamagar’s wicket in the 17th, and another dismissal by Sharma in the 18th over, reducing Malaysia to 119-8. Wan Juliya then came to the crease and scored 6 not out to seal the victory for Malaysia. For Nepal, Riya Sharma was the leading wicket-taker with three wickets, while Manisha Upadhyay and Rubina Kshetri claimed two wickets each, and Sita Ranamagar took one wicket.

Batting first at Bayumass Oval, Nepal posted 126 runs for six wickets in 20 overs. Captain Indu Barma remained unbeaten with the top score of 46 runs, while Kavita Kunwar contributed 33 runs from 15 balls. Nepal was positioned at 92-5 after 18 overs, but added 34 runs in the final two overs. For Malaysia, Winifred Duraisingam took two wickets, while Aiza Elisa and Mahira Izzati claimed one wicket each. Had Nepal won this match, they would have qualified directly for the Asian Games. Now, they have the chance to secure a spot by winning the third-place playoff against China. In the other semifinal, Thailand defeated China to reach the final and has already qualified for the Asian Games.