Nepal and UAE Shine with Consecutive Wins in ICC U19 Women’s T20 Asia Qualifier 2024

Nepal and UAE Secure Dominant Wins on Day 2 of ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier

Venue: Seven District Sports Club, Ajman, UAE
Event: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024

Nepal and the UAE recorded impressive back-to-back victories in the qualifier tournament, with Nepal overpowering Kuwait and the UAE showcasing their all-round prowess against Thailand. Here’s a detailed look at the matches that highlighted both teams’ strength and skill.

Match 1: Nepal vs. Kuwait

Nepal continued their winning streak by dismantling Kuwait’s lineup to secure a massive 108-run victory.

Nepal’s Innings: Setting a Target of 130

Nepal won the toss and opted to bat, aiming to build a strong total. Although they faced some early setbacks, captain Puja Mahato anchored the innings with a composed 34 runs off 38 balls, hitting four boundaries. She was supported by Jyotsnika Marasini (23 off 22) and Sana Praveen, who contributed a quick 25 off 18 balls, lacing her innings with five boundaries.

Nepal’s batters showed resilience against Kuwait’s bowling attack, particularly against Ayesha Iqbal Pewekar, who stood out with figures of 2 for 12. Nepal closed their innings at 130 for 8 in 20 overs, setting a challenging target for Kuwait.

Key Moments in Nepal’s Innings:

• Early dismissal of Sabitri Dhami, run out for 6.
• Puja Mahato and Jyotsnika Marasini’s 47-run partnership, stabilizing Nepal’s innings.
• Final over saw a flurry of wickets as Seema KC and Alisha Kumari Yadav fell, concluding Nepal’s innings at a competitive 130/8.

Kuwait’s Chase: A Collapse at 22 All Out

Kuwait’s chase began on a disastrous note, with opener Pewekar run out for just 2 in the second over. Nepal’s bowlers then tightened their grip, with Krishma Gurung claiming the wicket of Candice Dias for a duck. Kuwait’s score quickly plummeted as Nepal’s bowlers continued their onslaught.

Captain Zeefa Jilani (12) tried to put up resistance but received little support from the rest of the lineup. Nepal’s disciplined bowling and agile fielding resulted in three run-outs and multiple dismissals for minimal scores, bowling Kuwait out for just 22 runs in 13 overs.

Key Performers for Nepal:

• Rachanna Kumari Chaudhary (2 for 1) and Seema KC (2 for 0) delivered stellar performances.
• Four players were clean-bowled, with Nepal’s bowlers showing precision and dominance.

Result: Nepal defeated Kuwait by 108 runs.
Player of the Match: Puja Mahato for her all-round performance as captain and top-scorer.

Match 2: UAE vs. Thailand

In the second match of the day, the UAE displayed an impressive all-round performance, defeating Thailand by 74 runs and underlining their position as strong contenders in the tournament.

UAE’s Innings: A Strong Start with Rajith’s Fireworks

Batting first, UAE set the tone with a solid start from openers Lavanya Keny and Emily Thomas, who put up a 50-run stand by the 9th over. After Keny’s dismissal for 22, Thomas continued to anchor the innings, eventually scoring 41 off 46 balls with five boundaries.

The star of the innings, however, was Rinitha Rajith, who played a blistering knock of 54 not out off just 28 balls. Rajith’s innings was filled with flair as she struck four boundaries and three towering sixes, propelling UAE to a formidable total of 155 for 2 in their 20 overs.

Key Moments in UAE’s Innings:

• Rinitha Rajith’s 54 off 28 balls, showcasing aggressive batting with boundaries and sixes.
• Contributions from Emily Thomas (41) and captain Samaira Dharnidharka (21 not out), helping UAE cross the 150-run mark.

Thailand’s Chase: Struggles Against UAE’s Attack

Thailand faced an uphill task with a target of 156, but their innings never gained momentum. Opener Yanathip Takunsi fell early, bowled by UAE captain Samaira Dharnidharka for just 3. Despite some resistance from Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (24) and Nattharika Thokoi (19), Thailand’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure.

UAE’s bowlers, led by Dharnidharka, Al Maseera Jahangir, and Mehak Thakur, each took crucial wickets. The tight bowling and sharp fielding saw Thailand restricted to 81 all out in 20 overs, securing a comfortable 74-run win for the UAE.

Key Performers for UAE:

• Samaira Dharnidharka (2 for 12) and Mehak Thakur (2 for 7) with effective bowling spells.
• Al Maseera Jahangir (2 for 12) broke the back of Thailand’s middle order, helping UAE clinch a convincing victory.

Result: UAE defeated Thailand by 74 runs.
Player of the Match: Rinitha Rajith for her explosive half-century and game-changing batting performance.

Brief Scores

• Nepal vs. Kuwait: Nepal 130/8 in 20 overs (Puja Mahato 34, Jyotsnika Marasini 23, Ayesha Iqbal Pewekar 2 for 12); Kuwait 22 all out in 13 overs (Zeefa Jilani 12, Rachanna Kumari Chaudhary 2 for 1, Seema KC 2 for 0).
• UAE vs. Thailand: UAE 155/2 in 20 overs (Rinitha Rajith 54*, Emily Thomas 41, Samaira Dharnidharka 21*); Thailand 81 all out in 20 overs (Aphisara Suwanchonrathi 24, Nattharika Thokoi 19, Samaira Dharnidharka 2 for 12, Mehak Thakur 2 for 7).

Nepal and the UAE now stand in strong positions in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024, each recording their second consecutive win. While Nepal’s bowling attack dismantled Kuwait with precision, UAE’s balanced display of batting and bowling overpowered Thailand. Both teams continue to exhibit strong potential, setting the stage for intense competition in the remaining matches.