In a closely fought encounter at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur during the Asian Games Women’s Qualifier 2026, Nepal Women held their nerve in a tense chase to defeat Indonesia Women by four wickets with three balls remaining. The thrilling contest showcased disciplined bowling spells, crucial middle-order partnerships, and calm finishing touches as Nepal Women successfully chased down the target in 19.3 overs to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
After Indonesia Women opted to bat first, Nepal Women made an early breakthrough and immediately put pressure on the batting side. Kadek Winda Prastini was unfortunately run out without scoring in just the second over, leaving Indonesia Women at 1/0. The pressure increased further when Rahmawati Pangestuti managed only 1 off 5 deliveries before Manisha Upadhayay dismissed her, reducing Indonesia Women to 2/2 inside the powerplay. Nepal’s disciplined bowling and tight fielding restricted scoring opportunities, with the mandatory powerplay yielding only 19 runs for the loss of two wickets.
With the innings in trouble, Ni Luh Dewi and captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini steadied the innings through a patient rebuilding phase. The pair added a valuable 65-run partnership for the third wicket, which became the backbone of Indonesia Women’s innings. Dewi played a composed knock of 23 from 33 balls, striking three boundaries before falling lbw to Manisha Upadhayay in the 13th over. Her dismissal ended a stabilising stand that had brought Indonesia back into the contest.
Captain Sakarini then carried the innings brilliantly till the end. The Indonesian skipper anchored the batting lineup with an unbeaten 56 off 62 balls, including three boundaries, displaying remarkable composure under pressure. She found support from Ni Made Putri Suwandewi, who contributed 13 runs from 17 deliveries. Their 36-run partnership for the fourth wicket ensured Indonesia Women crossed the three-figure mark. In the closing overs, Ni Kadek Fitria Rada Rani added a quick unbeaten 3 as Indonesia Women finished on 113/4 in 20 overs.
Nepal Women’s bowlers delivered disciplined performances throughout the innings. Manisha Upadhayay was the standout bowler with figures of 2/9 in four overs, maintaining tight lines and removing key batters at crucial moments. Riya Sharma chipped in with an economical spell of 1/17 from four overs, while Kabita Kunwar kept things under control with 0/20. Despite going wicketless, Rubina Chhetry also bowled tidily, conceding only nine runs from her two overs. Nepal’s bowling unit collectively ensured Indonesia Women never fully accelerated during the innings.
Chasing 114, Nepal Women suffered an early setback when Samjhana Khadka was dismissed lbw for just 1 by Dara Paramitha. Soon after, Puja Mahato struck two boundaries during her brisk 9 off 12 balls before Ni Made Putri Suwandewi removed her, leaving Nepal at 16/2. Indonesia Women tightened the contest further when Rubi Poddar departed for a duck, trapped lbw by Suwandewi, as Nepal slipped to 20/3.
At that stage, Sony Pakhrin and captain Indu Barma rebuilt the innings with a crucial 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Pakhrin scored a fighting 29 off 36 deliveries with three boundaries, rotating the strike effectively while keeping the scoreboard moving. Indu Barma played the anchor’s role superbly, timing her innings to perfection. The pair guided Nepal Women to 53/3 at the halfway stage and shifted momentum gradually towards the chasing side.
Indonesia Women fought back once again when Sang Maypriani dismissed Pakhrin in the 13th over. However, Indu Barma remained calm under pressure and stitched another important partnership with Kabita Kunwar. The duo added 34 runs for the fifth wicket, bringing Nepal Women within touching distance of victory. Kabita contributed a handy 14 off 14 balls before being dismissed by Ni Arlani in the 19th over. Arlani struck again shortly after to remove Rubina Chhetry for a duck, briefly raising Indonesian hopes.
Despite the late wickets, Nepal captain Indu Barma ensured there were no further hiccups. Her unbeaten 42 off 43 deliveries, decorated with five boundaries, proved to be the defining innings of the chase. Sita Rana Magar then played a sensational cameo, smashing an unbeaten 13 from just six balls at a strike rate above 200, including three boundaries, to seal the win with three balls to spare.
Indonesia Women’s bowlers fought admirably throughout the chase. Ni Made Putri Suwandewi was exceptional with 2/16 in three overs, striking at important moments. Ni Arlani also claimed 2/26, while Dara Paramitha and Sang Maypriani picked up one wicket each. Although the target was modest, Indonesia’s bowlers kept the pressure alive until the final over, making it a gripping contest.
Loves all things female cricket