Malaysia Women edged Nepal Women by a narrow three-run margin in a low-scoring contest to clinch the opening T20I of their five-match series at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur. The game swayed until the final over, but Malaysia’s bowlers held their nerve, securing a 1-0 lead in the series after successfully defending 104.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Malaysia Women struggled for fluency in the face of disciplined bowling from Nepal. Openers Ainna Hamizah Hashim (26 off 42) and captain Winifred Duraisingam (27 off 41) laid a foundation, but slow progress highlighted the first half of their innings. It took a late cameo from Mas Elysa, who managed a brisk 25 from 18 balls, to push Malaysia to a fighting total of 104 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Nepal’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Somu Bist was the pick, picking up two wickets for 21 runs, while Rubina Chhetry was economical and chipped in with one scalp. The bowling unit kept things tight with regular breakthroughs and a good mix of pace and spin, never allowing Malaysia’s batters to cut loose for any extended period.
Chasing 105, Nepal made a steady but not spectacular start, with opener Samjhana Khadka scoring 18. However, Malaysia’s bowlers struck regularly, causing a middle-order collapse. Puja Mahato played a fighting innings of 30 off 29 balls and found some support from captain Indu Barma (12), but wickets continued to tumble at key moments as the required rate climbed.
The Malaysian bowling attack was led superbly by young all-rounder Nur Dania Syuhada, who finished with remarkable figures of 3 for 10 from her four overs, triggering the middle-order collapse. Captain Duraisingam (2 for 13) and Aisya Eleesa (2 wickets) were instrumental as well, applying pressure with both wickets and dot balls. The Nepal lower order, led by Kabita Joshi’s unbeaten 13 from 11 balls, fought valiantly but could only manage 101 for 7 in their 20 overs, falling just short.
The final over saw Nepal needing six runs to win, but tight bowling from Ainna Hamizah Hashim ensured Malaysia closed out the contest. Syuhada’s spell proved pivotal, earning her Player of the Match honors and giving Malaysia a valuable early lead in the series, which continues at the same venue on October 4.
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