In a landmark moment for women’s cricket in Nepal, Indu Barma, a talented cricketer from Kathmandu, made history during the fourth T20 International against Malaysia at the Bayuemas Oval as she became the first Nepal woman to surpass 1,000 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20Is).
This significant achievement occurred in her 77th match for Nepal, where her impressive performance helped secure a crucial 6-wicket victory that tied the five-match series at 2–2. Leading up to this match, Barma had accumulated 985 runs, showcasing her exceptional skills as the top scorer for Nepal with a total of 61 runs in three innings in the Malaysia series before this outing.
In the game, with her team chasing a target of 112 runs, Barma exhibited remarkable batting skills and composure. She scored an unbeaten 48 runs from 39 balls, playing a vital role in the chase. It was during this innings that she crossed the milestone of 1,000 runs, reaching it with a boundary off the 17th delivery she faced.
Barma’s journey in cricket reflects her resilience and dedication. Even before Nepal gained full WT20I status, she had been an active player in age-group and regional tournaments, demonstrating her talent and commitment to the game. She made her T20I debut on January 12, 2019, against China during the Thailand Women’s T20 Smash, although she didn’t have the opportunity to bat or bowl in that match.
Since then, she has emerged as a key player and a leader on the field for the Nepal women’s team. Her cricketing career has been marked by significant performances, often stepping up to guide her team through tough moments and stabilising the innings after early setbacks. Notably, her highest score in T20Is is an impressive 55 (retired not out), achieved against Qatar on 16th November 2021, highlighting her ability to deliver under pressure.
In her matches against Malaysia, Barma’s innings of 48 not only crowned her as a match-winner but also marked her best score against this rival, surpassing her previous high of 32 runs from an earlier encounter. She has faced Malaysia more than any other team, playing them fifteen times and accumulating 238 runs against them before this match.
With her recent performance, Barma’s career statistics underline her hard work and consistency as a cricketer: she has now amassed 1,033 runs from 77 matches, boasting a strike rate of 83.71, along with 77 fours and 3 sixes. While she primarily excels as a batter, she has also made significant contributions with the ball, having taken 40 wickets in her T20I career, alongside claiming 29 catches.
With this milestone run, Indu Barma has climbed to the top of Nepal’s all-time T20I run charts. Her closest competitors were Sita Rana Magar with 965 runs in 62 matches and Rubina Chhetry with 936 runs in 78 matches before her achievement. Barma’s journey stands as a testament to her skill, persistence, and unwavering commitment to promoting women’s cricket in Nepal.
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