Sports

U-19 women's cricket team secures spot in T20 World Cup

By THT Online

Photo: CAN/'X'

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 13

The Nepali U-19 women's cricket team has secured a place in the ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025 following a decisive victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 8 wickets in the Asia Qualifiers' final match, held in the UAE.

Nepal needed a substantial win to ensure World Cup qualification, and they delivered with a commanding performance at the Seven Districts Stadium in Ajman, UAE. After winning the toss, the UAE chose to bat first, setting Nepal a target of 84 runs. In response, Nepal chased down the total in 14.4 overs, finishing with only 2 wickets lost.

Sana Praveen led the chase with an impressive 35 runs, followed by Captain Pooja Mahato with 21 runs. Soni Pakhreen and Sabitri Dhami added 13 and 12 runs respectively. For the UAE, Mehek Thakur claimed both wickets that fell in Nepal's innings.

Earlier, UAE scored 83 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Nepal's Krishma Gurung played a key role in restricting the hosts, taking 4 wickets. Rhea Sharma and Seema KC each claimed 2 wickets, while Rachana Kumari Chaudhary added one more to the tally.

In the Asia Qualifiers, Nepal emerged victorious in four out of five matches. Competing alongside hosts UAE, as well as Thailand and Kuwait, only one team could qualify for the World Cup-a position that Nepal claimed with this impressive win.

The 2025 T20 Women's U-19 World Cup will be held in Malaysia.