Nepal Women opened their Malaysia tour with a two-wicket win over Malaysia Women in the first T20I at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday.
Chasing 68, Nepal reached 71/8 in 17.3 overs. Samjhana Khadka top-scored with 32 off 39 balls, hitting two fours in a tense chase.
Nepal lost Bindu Rawal and Puja Mahato early, both without scoring. Rubi Poddar then made 15 off 22 balls to support Samjhana.
Malaysia fought back through Nur Qalysha, who took 3/21 in four overs. Aisya Eleesa and Elsa Hunter took two wickets each as Nepal slipped to 61/8.
Kabita Joshi and Riya Sharma then finished the chase. Kabita remained unbeaten on 6, while Riya made 4 not out.
Earlier, Malaysia were bowled out for 67 in 16.5 overs after Nepal produced a disciplined bowling performance.
Puja led the attack with 3/13 from four overs. Manisha Upadhayay took 2/17, while Riya Sharma returned 2/13. Kabita Kunwar and Sita Rana Magar picked up one wicket each.
Elsa Hunter was Malaysia’s top scorer with 10. No other batter crossed double figures as Nepal kept taking wickets at regular intervals.
Nepal lead the series 1-0.
