Nepal Women's hopes of taking the lead in the five-match T20I series ended in disappointment as Malaysia Women recorded a 13-run victory in the third T20I at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, to take a 2–1 lead in the series.
Opting to bat first, Malaysia posted a competitive total of 120/4 in 20 overs, led by a superb innings from opener Ainna Hamizah Hashim, who struck 61 off 58 balls with seven boundaries. Her partnership with Mas Elysa (30 off 37) provided Malaysia a solid platform as they navigated Nepal’s disciplined bowling.
For Nepal, Kabita Joshi (2/23) and Kabita Kunwar (2/13) were the standout bowlers, keeping the scoring in check through the middle overs.
Chasing 121 for victory, Nepal were restricted to 107/8 in their 20 overs.
Rubi Poddar (31 off 37) top-scored for Nepal, while captain Indu Barma remained unbeaten on 22 off 20 balls, but lacked support from the other end.
Malaysia's bowlers maintained pressure throughout, led by Aisya Eleesa (1/15) and Nur Dania Syuhada (1/17), to ensure a comfortable defense.
Despite the defeat, skipper Indu Barma reached a personal milestone, becoming Nepal’s all-time leading run-scorer in Women's T20 Internationals, surpassing Sita Rana Magar's tally of 965 runs.
With this win, Malaysia now lead the five-match T20I series 2–1, heading into the fourth match with momentum on their side.
