Elsa Hunter’s blitz keeps Nepal’s Asian Games hopes hanging by a thread

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 30, 2026

Nepal suffered a two-wicket defeat to Malaysia in the semi-finals of the Asian Games Qualifier on Saturday, leaving their hopes of reaching the Asian Games dependent on the third-place playoff.

Asked to bat first, Nepal posted 126 for 6 after scoring 51 runs in the final four overs. Kabita Kunwar provided the late momentum with a rapid 33 off just 15 balls, striking four boundaries and a six.

Captain Indu Barma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 46 off 41 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

For Malaysia, Winifred Duraisingam returned 2 for 18, while Aisya Eleesa and Mahirah Ismail picked up a wicket each. Elsa Hunter proved expensive with the ball, conceding 32 runs from her three overs.

Malaysia lost opener Winifred Duraisingam for a two-ball duck in the chase, but Ainna Hamizah and Elsa Hunter turned the game around with a 70-run partnership off just 39 balls for the third wicket.

Hunter was the standout performer, smashing 48 off 24 deliveries with 10 boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 200.

Dhanusri Muhunan then contributed 21 off 29 balls with three boundaries as Malaysia completed the chase and secured qualification for the Asian Games.

For Nepal, Riya Sharma picked up 3 for 20 from her three overs, while Manisha Upadhyay returned 2 for 14. Rubina Chhetry (2/21) and Sita Rana Magar (1/20) were also among the wickets.

Nepal now have one final opportunity to qualify for the Asian Games when they face China in the third-place playoff on Sunday.