Nepal Women are set to play two T20 International (T20I) matches against Malaysia Women as part of its preparations for the 2026 Asian Games Women’s Qualifier. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) confirmed that both matches will take place at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on May 20 and May 22.
According to CAN, the short bilateral series has been planned to help the Nepali side adjust to Malaysian conditions before the Asian Games Women’s Qualifier, which will run from May 23 to May 31, 2026. CAN spokesperson Chhumbi Lama said the matches will provide important game time for the players and help the team management finalize combinations ahead of the tournament.
Nepal and Malaysia have developed a competitive rivalry in women’s cricket over the last few years. The two teams last met during Nepal Women’s tour of Malaysia in October 2025, where Nepal won the five-match T20I series 3-2 after several close contests.
Nepal captain Indu Barma was one of the standout performers in that series, scoring 117 runs in five innings at an impressive average of 58.50. Kabita Kunwar played a major role with the ball, taking nine wickets in four innings at a remarkable average of 4.88. Somu Bist also contributed with four wickets during the series.
For Malaysia Women, Ainna Hamizah Hashim impressed with the bat, scoring 152 runs at an average of 38.00, while Mas Elysa added 112 runs. Nur Dania Syuhada was one of Malaysia’s leading bowlers with seven wickets in the series.
The overall head-to-head record between the two teams also slightly favors Nepal Women. Between 2019 and 2025, Nepal Women played 16 WT20Is against Malaysia Women and won 10 matches, while Malaysia secured six victories. Nepal Women have also performed strongly in the rivalry statistically, averaging 16.86 with the bat at a run rate of 5.20. Their bowling attack has been equally effective, maintaining a bowling average of 16.03 and an economy rate of 4.82 against Malaysia Women.
Looking at their overall WT20I records, Nepal Women have shown steady progress in recent years. Between 2019 and 2026, Nepal Women played 92 WT20Is, winning 53 and losing 38 matches. The team has maintained a batting average of 15.52 at a run rate of 5.34, while their bowlers have impressed with an economy rate of 4.77 overall.
Malaysia Women, meanwhile, have played 107 WT20Is between 2018 and 2026, winning 45 and losing 60 matches. Their batting side averages 14.42 at a run rate of 4.84, while the bowling unit has an economy rate of 5.33.
Both teams also come into the series after recent international assignments. Nepal Women recently participated in the ICC Women’s T20 Challenge Trophy, where they won 5 out of their 8 games, while Malaysia Women recently played a bilateral T20I series against Indonesia Women, losing both games, before turning their focus toward the Asian Games Women’s Qualifier.
The upcoming matches will give both sides a valuable opportunity to test combinations, improve team coordination, and gain confidence ahead of an important qualifying tournament. With both teams aiming to build momentum before the Asian Games Qualifier begins, fans can expect two competitive and exciting matches in Kuala Lumpur.
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