Pakistan crush Nepal in Women’s Asia Cup

KARACHI: Pakistan kept their Women’s Asia Cup campaign alive with a thumping nine-wicket win over Nepal in Dambulla on Sunday evening. Having lost their opening game to India, Pakistan were in a must-win situation and did not let their fans down. Nepal started briskly after being sent in. They had a strong finish as well. But the Pakistan bowlers and fielders - there were three run-outs - caused enough damage in the middle overs to restrict Nepal to 108 for 6.

Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali then smashed 105 in just 11.2 overs to finish the game. Feroza scored 57 off 35 balls, while Muneeba stayed unbeaten on 46 off 34. The win boosted Pakistan’s net run-rate to 0.409 and lifted them to second position on the points table.

Samjhana Khadka, fresh from her match-winning half-century against UAE, slapped Fatima Sana over extra cover for four on the fourth ball of the innings. But she was late on the pull next ball, and ended up offering a simple catch to Nashra Sandhu at short midwicket.

The wicket did not affect Nepal’s intent. Sita Rana Magar, the other opener, and Kabita Kunwar, the No. 3, also opened their accounts with fours. The pair also hit a boundary each off Omaima Sohail to take the side to 29 for 1 after four overs.