The 1st T20I of the five-match series between Nepal Women and Malaysia Women kicks off on October 2, 2025, at the Bayuemas Oval. This series promises a competitive encounter as both sides have been enhancing their skill sets and team cohesion through recent international exposure.
Nepal’s side will be led by experienced campaigners such as Rubina Chhetry and Samjhana Khadka, whose batting and all-round capabilities will be vital in setting or chasing competitive totals. For Malaysia, players like Dhanusri Muhunan and Ainna Hashim will be key to providing the attacking thrust with the bat, complemented by their spinners who thrive on local pitches.
Squads:
Malaysia Women’s Cricket Team
Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa, Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Ainna Hashim, Amalin Sorfina, Mahirah Izzati, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Suabika, Aina Najwa, Wan Julia, Aisya Eleesa, Marsya, Nazwah, Nur Dania Syuhada
Nepal Women’s Cricket Team
Bindu Rawal, Rajmati Airee, Samjhana Khadka, Indu Barma, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetry, Roma Thapa, Rubi Poddar, Ishwori Bist, Manisha Upadhayay, Riya Sharma, Sabnam Rai
Players to watch out:
Mas Elysa
Mas Elysa is a Malaysian women’s cricketer and all-rounder known for her leg break bowling and right-hand batting. In 75 WT20Is, she has scored 1149 runs at an average of 19.47 with a strike rate of 87.04 and recorded the highest of 66*. With the ball, she has taken 34 wickets at an average of 16.82 and an economy rate of 5.09, including the best bowling figure of 6/3 in a T20I. She remains a key player for Malaysia in T20Is.
Elsa Hunter
Elsa Hunter is a Malaysian women’s cricketer known for her right-handed batting and occasional medium-pace bowling. She has played 45 T20Is, scoring 709 runs at an average of 21.48 with a top score of 69 not out. She has hit 73 fours, maintaining a strike rate close to 89.52. Elsa is a key batter for Malaysia with consistent performances in T20 Internationals and will be a crucial part of their side going into the series against Nepal.
Puja Mahato
Puja Mahato is a Nepalese women’s cricketer known as an all-rounder in T20Is. She has played 37 WT20Is, scoring 438 runs with an average of 16.84, and a top score of 62 not out including two half-centuries. She has also taken 27 wickets with the ball, delivering useful performances in both batting and bowling. Puja has captained the Nepal under-19 team and contributed significantly to their success in recent tournaments.
Indu Barma
Indu Barma is a Nepalese all-rounder in Women’s T20Is with 73 matches to her name as of 2025. She has scored 924 runs with the highest score of unbeaten 55 and an average of 17.11. As a bowler, she has taken 40 wickets with an economy rate around 4.53. Indu also contributes effectively in the field with catches and involvement in run outs and will be a very crucial player for Nepal going into the series.
Pitch:
The pitch at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, is generally considered balanced but tends to favor batters with good stroke play due to its true bounce and even pace. Spinners can also be effective later in the game as the pitch tends to offer some turn as it wears. Overall, it’s a fair wicket supporting both batters and bowlers, encouraging competitive cricket.
Weather:
There is a forecast of possible afternoon thunderstorms. The day is expected to have a mix of clouds and sun with a chance of rain later in the day, so interruptions are possible but not guaranteed.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa, Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Ainna Hashim, Amalin Sorfina, Bindu Rawal, Rajmati Airee, Samjhana Khadka, Indu Barma, Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetry
Match Details:
Date – October 02, 2025
Time – 11:30 AM IST
Venue – Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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