Pakistan inflict 9-wicket defeat on Nepal in Women's Asia Cup

Pakistan women's national team put up an excellent show to inflict a humiliating nine wicket defeat on Nepal in their second match of the 2024 Women's Asia Cup at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.

The Girls in Green played their opening match on July 19 against India, which ended with the opponents outclassing national side by seven wickets.

However, in today's competition which was the tournament's sixth match, Pakistan were clinical as they chased down a 109-run target in mere 11.5 overs. With exceptional batting, Gul Feroza and Muneeba Ali almost completed the target with their 105-run opening stand.

It was the first T20I half-century from Feroza with the help of 10 fours off 35 deliveries. Muneeba remained not out after scoring 46 runs from 34 balls with the help of eight fours.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to put Nepal in to bat first. The bowlers put up the pressure from the very outset of the game as Fatima Sana took Samjhana Khadka's (4) in the first over.

Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar strived to remain on the crease to pile a good total however, it was in the fifth over when Sadia Iqbal sent Kunwar (13) and skipper Indu Barma (0) back to the pavilion.

Nepal's batters again struggled to firm up their grip however, Rubina Chhetry (8) was dismissed in the 10th over. Sita who was somewhat settled and getting runs, fell in the 15th over after scoring 30-ball 26.

Later, Kabita Joshi and Puja Mahato pushed up the total to 108 for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs.

Kabita remained unbeaten on 23-ball 31 with the help of three fours and a six while Mahato made a valuable 25.

Sadia Iqbal finished with figures of 2/19.

Meanwhile, in another Group A match, India extended their winning streak with a 78-run victory over the UAE.

After choosing to bat first, India amassed a total of 201/5 in 20 overs. Opener Smriti Mandhana was the first to be dismissed. She was out for 13 off 9 balls, caught by Kavisha Egodage, leaving India at 23/1.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was India's top scorer, making 66 off 47 balls before being run out. She appeared completely in control, hitting seven fours and a six during her innings.

Wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 64 off 29 balls, including 12 boundaries and five consecutive fours in the final over of the innings. She was named Player of the Match.

The Girls in Blue restricted the UAE to 123/7 in 20 overs, winning the match by 78 runs. Deepti Sharma (2/23) led the bowling attack.