KATHMANDU, JANUARY 20

Nepal narrowly missed a victory against Scotland, losing by one wicket in their second ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup match at UKM Oval Cricket Ground in Malaysia on Monday.

Chasing a modest target of 74 runs, Scotland reached the goal in 18.4 overs, losing nine wickets. Pippa Spowell played a crucial innings of 35 runs off 47 balls, hitting three fours, and Gabriella Fontaine contributed 12 runs.

For Nepal, Seemana KC and Rachana Chaudhary led the bowling attack, taking two wickets apiece. Captain Pooja Mahato and Krishma Gurung chipped in with one wicket apiece, but the effort fell just short of defending the total.

Earlier, Nepal opted to bat first after winning the toss but struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for a modest 73 runs in 18.5 overs. Captain Pooja Mahato led the innings with a top score of 27 runs off 43 balls, including three boundaries. Savitri Dhami contributed 10 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to reach double figures.

Scotland's Maisie Maceira put up a stellar bowling performance, claiming five wickets. Ammy Baldai and Nayma Sheikh picked up two wickets each, and Kristy MacColl chipped in with one.

This loss is Nepal's second consecutive defeat in the tournament, following their opening match loss to Bangladesh.

Scotland's victory boosts their chances of advancing to the Super Six stage, despite their earlier loss to Australia.