Dropped chances, slow chase hurt Nepal in 44-run defeat to USA

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 18, 2026

Nepal’s batting and fielding struggles continued as they opened their ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy campaign with a 44-run defeat to USA at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Rwanda.

After a rain-delayed start, Nepal won the toss and chose to field on a damp outfield, where timing the ball was difficult and running between the wickets became crucial.

USA posted 123 and then restricted Nepal to 79 for 9 to register their first win of the tournament.

Nepal had the ideal start with left-arm spinner Manisha Upadhyay striking twice in the opening over, removing Sainavi Kambalapalli (2) and Ishani Vaghela (0).

But missed chances proved costly. Rachana Chaudhary dropped Pooja Ganesh on 7, and she went on to anchor the innings with 48 off 47 balls, adding 75 runs with Chetna Pagydyala (30). Pooja Ganesh was eventually run out in the final over following a direct hit from Indu Barma.

Gargi Bhogle added late momentum with 34 off 27 balls, hitting five boundaries, after being dropped twice by Bindu Rawal and Samjhana Khadka.

Manisha Upadhyay finished with 2 for 18, while Kabita Kunwar and Riya Sharma picked up a wicket each.

In reply, Nepal never got going. They lost Samjhana Khadka early, and the scoring rate never recovered.

Bindu Rawal made 27 off 45 balls, while Kabita Joshi scored 11 off 20, but the lack of intent and boundaries kept the target out of reach. None of the other batters reached double figures.

For USA, Maahi Madhavan returned 2 for 11, while Taranum Chopra took 2 for 14. Aditiba Chudasama, Ritu Singh, Lekha Shetty and Sainavi Kambalapalli picked up a wicket each.

Nepal will next face Italy in their second match, while Italy come into the game after a 16-run (DLS) win over hosts Rwanda.