Kathmandu — Nepal made a commanding start to their ACC Women's U19 Premier Cup campaign, defeating Qatar by 105 runs in their group-stage opener at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday. Sabitri Dhami top-scored with 52, and Rachana Kumari Chaudhary was named Player of the Match for a remarkable spell of 3 for 2.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nepal posted 130 for 3 in their 20 overs, built on an 80-run opening partnership between Dhami and Sana Praveen that spanned more than ten overs. Dhami anchored the innings with a fluent 52 off 47 balls, striking five boundaries at a strike rate of 110.64, while Praveen contributed 27 off 32 with three fours. Anjila Pathak remained unbeaten on 23 off 32 balls to carry Nepal past 130.
The total proved far more than enough. Nepal's bowlers dismantled Qatar for just 25 in 12 overs — a total Dhami had outscored on her own. Both Qatar openers fell for ducks inside the first two overs, and the innings never recovered, slumping to 14 for 5 in the fifth over.
Riya Sharma (3 for 6) and Player of the Match Rachana Kumari Chaudhary shared six wickets, with Chaudhary's figures of 3 for 2 from three overs — including two maidens at an economy of 0.67 — closing out the innings. Manisha Upadhayay struck twice up front with 2 for 7, Anu Kadayat took 1 for 7 with two maidens of her own, and Alisha Kumari Yadav added a run-out. No Qatar batter reached double figures, Sargam Patel's 4 the top score.
Nepal will next face Hong Kong in their second group-stage fixture on Tuesday, 14 July.
