Nepal Women continued their dominant run in the Nepal Women in Malaysia T20I Series with another composed performance, defeating Malaysia Women by seven wickets at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. Chasing a modest target in the second T20I, Nepal Women showed calmness and control throughout the innings to complete the chase with 24 balls remaining and seal the two-match series 2-0. The contest featured disciplined bowling from Nepal and a mature batting effort led by Samjhana Khadka, while Malaysia struggled to build momentum despite a few useful partnerships in the middle overs.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Malaysia Women were immediately put under pressure by Nepal’s accurate bowling attack. The opening pair of Ainna Hamizah Hashim and Elsa Hunter tried to settle in cautiously, but the scoring rate remained under control because of the disciplined spells from Kabita Kunwar and Puja Mahato. Malaysia reached 16 runs before losing their first wicket when Elsa Hunter was bowled by Kabita Kunwar for 6 off 11 deliveries. The opening stand produced 16 runs in 3.4 overs, but Nepal’s bowlers ensured there were very few boundaries available.
The pressure increased further when Malaysia captain Mas Elysa, who struck a boundary during her brief stay, was trapped lbw by Kabita Kunwar after scoring 7 from 9 balls. Malaysia slipped to 27/2 in 5.2 overs, and Nepal sensed complete control of the match. Samjhana Khadka and Riya Sharma were excellent in the field and consistently supported the bowlers with sharp energy.
A short recovery followed as Ainna Hamizah Hashim and Mahirah Izzati Ismail added 4 runs before Mahirah departed for 3. Riya Sharma then removed Nur Dania Syuhada for a duck, leaving Malaysia struggling at 31/4 in the eighth over. With wickets falling regularly, Dhanusri Muhunan attempted to stabilize the innings alongside Ainna Hamizah Hashim. The pair added 21 valuable runs for the fifth wicket, which became one of Malaysia’s better partnerships of the innings. Ainna Hamizah Hashim battled hard for her 17 off 30 balls, but Sita Rana Magar dismissed her at 52/5 in the 12.6 over.
Dhanusri Muhunan continued fighting and stitched another useful stand with Nur Arianna Natsya. Their 16-run partnership helped Malaysia move towards a respectable finish. Muhunan scored 15 from 20 deliveries before falling in the 15th over, while Irdina Beh Nabil was dismissed cheaply soon after. Nur Arianna Natsya remained unbeaten on 13 off 12 balls and added late runs alongside Aisya Eleesa, who scored a quick 5 not out. Malaysia Women eventually finished on 82/9 in 20 overs.
Nepal Women’s bowling attack delivered a clinical collective performance in the Women’s T20I clash. Kabita Kunwar starred with the ball, producing figures of 2/10 in four overs and later earning the Player of the Match award. Riya Sharma also impressed with 2/14, while Rubina Chhetry (2/5 off 2) and Sita Rana Magar (1/6 off 3) were also impressive, each maintaining constant pressure. Puja Mahato contributed economically with 1/20, and Manisha Upadhayay kept things tight despite going wicketless.
Chasing 83 for victory, Nepal Women had a shaky start when Kabita Joshi was dismissed for a duck in the opening over by Nur Dania Syuhada. However, Samjhana Khadka steadied the innings beautifully. Puja Mahato joined her and the duo added 13 runs for the second wicket before Puja fell for 8 off 14 balls. Malaysia sensed an opening when Sony Pakhrin was dismissed after scoring 12 from 24 balls, reducing Nepal to 41/3 in 9.2 overs.
From there, Samjhana Khadka took control of the chase with a calm and composed innings. She rotated strike effectively and punished loose deliveries whenever possible. Kabita Kunwar supported her brilliantly at the other end, and together they built an unbeaten 42-run partnership for the fourth wicket that completely shut Malaysia out of the game. Samjhana remained unbeaten on 39 off 37 deliveries with three boundaries, while Kabita Kunwar finished on 19 not out from 20 balls as Nepal Women reached 83/3 in just 16 overs.
Malaysia Women’s bowlers tried hard to defend the low total. Nur Dania Syuhada delivered a disciplined spell of 1/20, while Aisya Eleesa bowled economically and picked up a wicket. Ainna Hamizah Hashim also contributed with a wicket, but the lack of runs on the board made the task difficult for the Malaysian attack.
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