Nepal Women's cricket team suffered a heavy 99-run defeat to Ireland Women in their opening warm-up match for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier at Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
Ireland, electing to bat first after winning the toss, posted a commanding 200/7 in 20 overs. Captain Gaby Lewis set the tone with a destructive 77 from just 38 balls before retiring out, while all-rounder Orla Prendergast blazed 62 off 29 deliveries, also retiring to maximise batting depth. Leah Paul chipped in with 21 as Nepal's bowlers struggled for breakthroughs. Rubina Chhetri was the standout for Nepal, taking 2 wickets, with Riya Sharma claiming one.
In reply, Nepal were skittled for 101 in 19 overs, never threatening the mammoth target. Kabita Joshi fought valiantly with 28 runs off 29 balls, supported by opener Bindu Rawal's 25 (28 balls) and skipper Indu Barma's 12 (10 balls). The rest of the lineup failed to reach double figures as Ireland's pace attack, led by Prendergast (2/9), dismantled the innings.
Nepal will have to rethink their strategy ahead of Friday's clash against the United States Women, their second and final warm-up match ahead of the big tournament.
