Heading into their last league game, hosts United Arab Emirates led by skipper Samaira Dharnidharka was the only side to remain unbeaten in the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024. On the other hand, Nepal led by skipper Puja Mahato suffered their only defeat of the tournament against the same opposition (UAE).
Eventually, the two best sides of the competition were battling against each other for a spot in the upcoming 2nd edition of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025 in the last league game of the tournament.
The UAE skipper Samaira Dharnidharka won the toss and opted to bat first. UAE lost the wicket of Emily Thomas in the 2nd over of the innings as Krishma Gurung provided the first breakthrough for Nepal. Lavanya Keny soon made her way back to the pavilion providing the 2nd breakthrough for Nepal.
Skipper Samaira Dharnidharka was joined by Rinitha Rajith at the crease and the duo took their side past the 50-run mark with a crucial 37-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. It also eventually proved to be the highest partnership of the innings for the United Arab Emirates. The lack of substantial partnerships after the 3rd wicket partnership saw them post 83/9 in their quota of 20 overs.
Skipper S Dharnidharka (31 off 48 balls), held the innings together alongside Rinitha Rajith (20 off 18 balls) and as a result, were the top performers with the bat for the UAE. Krishma Gurung (4-0-17-4) triggered a UAE collapse alongside Riya Sharma (4-1-12-2), and Seema KC (4-0-18-2) were the top performers with the ball for Nepal.
Chasing a target of 84, Nepal romped home with 8 wickets in hand and 32 balls to spare. Nepal’s opening batter Sana Praveen (35* off 42 balls), anchored the run chase for Nepal alongside skipper Puja Mahato (21 off 18 balls) were the top performers for Nepal in a historic run chase. Krishma Gurung was awarded the Player of the Match for her potentially match-decisive spell (4-0-17-4) with the ball. She also played a crucial role in scripting history for Nepal as they pip UAE to book the tickets for their maiden appearance in the upcoming 2nd edition of the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup hosted by Malaysia and Thailand in 2025, and the inaugural Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup, scheduled next month.
Under-19 T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024 Review
A total of four teams namely, Kuwait, Thailand, Nepal, and the host UAE participated in the Asia Qualifiers to book a spot for the upcoming under-19 World Cup in January next year. The team that finished at the top of the table at the end of the league stages would qualify for the Under-19 World Cup next year, hosted by Malaysia and Thailand.
Kuwait’s journey in the Under-19 T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier
Kuwait led by skipper Zeefa Jilani was the only side in the tournament that struggled and was eventually unable to get a victory under their belt. As a result, they finished at the bottom of the table with 6 defeats from as many games in their campaign.
Thailand’s journey in the Under-19 T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier
Thailand led by skipper Aphisara Suwanchonrathi just managed a couple of victories against Kuwait in their campaign. As a result, they finished 3rd on the points table with four losses from six games. So, even though being one of the hosts of the upcoming 2nd edition of the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup 2025, they failed to qualify for the main event in January, next year.
United Arab Emirates journey in the Under-19 T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier
UAE led by skipper Samaria Dharnidharka had an impressive campaign as they were unbeaten with five victories from as many games in the tournament, until they met Nepal led by skipper Puja Mahato in the last league game. The Puja Mahato-led side toppled UAE from the top spot, courtesy of a comprehensive 8-wicket victory in their round 2 clash, with the net run-rate suffering a decisive blow. The defeat also meant they missed out on a spot in the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup in January, next year.
Nepal’s journey in the Under-19 World Cup Asia Qualifier
Nepal led by skipper Puja Mahato had an impressive campaign in the tournament with five wins from six games in the tournament. Their only defeat in the tournament came against UAE in the first round of their clash. However, in the 2nd round, they managed to turn the tables with a thumping 8-wicket victory in their 2nd round against UAE led by skipper Samaira Dharnidharka, which was also eventually a decider. The comprehensive victory also meant that they piped UAE from the top spot with 10 points, courtesy of a superior net run rate. It was also a historic victory for Nepal as it ensured their maiden appearance in the upcoming 2nd edition of the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup, scheduled from 18th January to 2nd February 2025. It also confirmed their entry in the inaugural Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup, which is scheduled for next month.
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