A masterclass in disciplined bowling and measured batting saw Hong Kong clinical dismantle Nepal by 69 runs in Match 24 of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2026 at the Kolej Tuanku Ja’Afar Ground. After being inserted to bat first, Hong Kong built a stable foundation to post a competitive 109 for 3 in their 20 overs. Nepal’s response never found its footing as they were dismantled for a meager 40 runs in just 13.3 overs. The result showcased a stark contrast in execution, leaving Nepal with plenty of questions to answer about their batting depth.
The game began with Nepal winning the toss and electing to exploit early conditions by bowling first. Hong Kong’s opening pair of Yasmin Daswani and Mariko Hill respected the conditions but kept the scoreboard ticking with intelligent running. Daswani anchored the innings beautifully, absorbing the pressure to top-score with a patient 42* off 44 balls, anchoring one end with two boundaries. Alongside her, Hill provided excellent technical support, grinding out 29 runs from 35 deliveries and executing four boundaries to shift the momentum back toward Hong Kong.
As the innings progressed, Nepal’s bowlers struggled to break through the defensive walls of the top order. Rubina Chhetri provided a brief respite by dismissing Hill, finishing her four-over spell with 1 for 20. Riya Sharma was the other wicket-taker, ending with figures of 1 for 27. Despite their efforts, Hong Kong’s middle order held firm. Marina Lamplough chipped in with a brisk, unbeaten 18 off 18 balls to guide her side past the 100-run mark, leaving Nepal with a target of 110.
What should have been a standard chase quickly transformed into a nightmare for Nepal. Hong Kong’s opening bowler Iqra Sahar turned the match on its head from her very first over. Exhibiting impeccable line and length, Sahar ripped through Nepal’s top order with devastating precision. She single-handedly broke the spine of Nepal’s batting line-up, picking up 4 wickets for just 4 runs across 4 overs, including two maiden overs, completely shutting down any chance of a stable start.
With Sahar keeping things incredibly tight at one end, the rest of the Hong Kong bowling unit piled on the pressure. Maryam Bibi maintained the chokehold, snaring 2 wickets for 15 runs in her three overs. Team captain Kary Chan also joined the party, utilizing her variations to pick up 2 wickets for 11 runs in just two overs. Nepal simply could not stitch a partnership together as the pressure created a domino effect of falling wickets.
Nepal’s scorecard made for grim reading, with only Sony Pakhrin offering any real resistance. Pakhrin fought hard for her 12 runs off 23 balls, showing the application required on a tricky surface. Rubina Chhetri managed 10 runs before being dismissed, but no other player crossed the double-digit mark, with multiple batters falling for ducks. Joyleen Kaur wrapped up the final wicket to seal the 69-run victory, emphasizing Hong Kong’s dominance and securing Iqra Sahar a well-deserved Player of the Match trophy.
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