Kathmandu - Nepal Women U19 booked their place in the semi-final of the ACC Women’s U19 Premier Cup with a nine-wicket win over Japan Women U19 at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi, on Wednesday.
Japan won the toss and elected to bat first but were bowled out for 86 in 20 overs. Bianca Shino top-scored for Japan with 38 off 57 balls, while Ayane Sakuraba added 10.
Nepal kept Japan under control throughout the innings. Krishma Gurung returned 2/6 from three overs, while Riya Sharma picked up 2/23 from four overs. Manisha Upadhayay and Sony Pakhrin claimed one wicket each, with Nepal also striking through early pressure after Anu Kadayat’s opening burst.
Chasing 87, Nepal reached 90/1 in 11.2 overs. Sana Praveen gave Nepal a quick start with 18 off 16 balls, hitting three fours, before Sabitri Dhami took charge of the chase.
Sabitri remained unbeaten on 41 off 32 balls, striking seven fours. Captain Sony Pakhrin stayed not out on 18 off 22 deliveries as Nepal completed a comfortable win with 52 balls to spare.
Sabitri was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten 41.
Nepal will now face UAE Women U19 in the second semi-final at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
