United States of America Women's team secured a six-wicket victory over Nepal in a ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier warm-up match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur on January 16.
After winning the toss and opting to field first, USA restricted Nepal to 136/9 in 20 overs, before chasing down the target with five balls to spare, finishing on 138/4 in 19.1 overs.
Nepal post 136/9 after a steady start
Nepal Women built a decent total through contributions across the lineup, but regular wickets in the middle overs prevented them from finishing strongly.
Bindu Rawal (27 off 28) and Samjhana Khadka (24 off 20) provided early stability, while Puja Mahato (17 off 15) kept the momentum going with positive intent. Lower down, Kabita Joshi struck 20 off 14 and Roma Thapa added 19 off 14, helping Nepal cross the 130-run mark.
However, USA bowlers struck at key moments, with Taranum Chopra producing a match-winning spell of 3/23, while Sainavi Kambalapalli (2/20) also picked up crucial wickets to slow Nepal's scoring.
Pagydyala's 56 leads USA to comfortable chase
In reply, USA Women were guided by a calm and composed knock from Chetna Pagydyala, who remained not out on 56 off 46 balls (6 fours), anchoring the chase from start to finish.
USA lost wickets at intervals, but Pagydyala held firm, finding support from Isani Vaghela (20 off 20) and a lively finishing effort from *Ritu Singh (19 off 13)**, who ensured the chase was completed without late drama.
For Nepal, wickets were shared, but they couldn't apply sustained pressure in the final stretch as USA crossed the line in the 20th over.
