KATHMANDU, May 28: Nepal advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Qualifiers after securing an unbeaten run in the group stage, defeating Indonesia by four wickets in their final Group B match.
Chasing a target of 114 runs at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Nepal reached 113 for 6 with three balls to spare, finishing on 4 wickets down. The victory ensured Nepal topped Group B with four points, while China advanced as the runners-up. Indonesia ended the group stage without a win.
Nepal’s innings was anchored by captain Indu Barma, who scored 42 runs, while Sita Rana Magar added 13. Sony Pakhrin contributed 29 runs as Nepal recovered from early pressure after losing three wickets for just 20 runs.
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Opener Samjhana Khadka was dismissed for 1, Pooja Mahato for 9, and Rubi Poddar was out for a duck. Rubina Chhetri was also dismissed for a golden duck. A crucial 45-run partnership between Indu Barma and Sony Pakhrin for the fourth wicket steadied Nepal’s chase.
For Indonesia, Ni Made Suwandewi and Ni Ariani took two wickets each.
Earlier, Indonesia posted 113 for 4 in their allotted overs after being put in to bat. Captain Ni Putu Ayu Nandari led the innings with an unbeaten 56, supported by Nilu Devi’s 23 runs, as the pair rebuilt the innings after an early setback.
For Nepal, Manisha Upadhyay took two wickets while Riya Sharma claimed one.
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