Hong Kong hand Nepal first defeat in Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 13, 2025

Nepal suffered their first defeat in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier on Tuesday, losing by seven wickets to Hong Kong, China at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Thailand.

After winning the toss, Hong Kong elected to field first in the game reduced to five overs following rain delay. Boundaries were hard to come by on a damp outfield with Nepal managing just one in their 29-3 from five overs. Hong Kong, China struck a six — an important boundary that proved crucial in the chase.

Samjhana Khadka top scored for Nepal with 10 runs hitting the lone boundary before holing out a catch to Mariko Hill at long-on.

Indu Barma, Rubina Chettri, Puja Mahato, and Kabita Kunwar managed to score a combined total of 18 runs. Kabita Joshi, known for her big-hitting ability, was not sent in to bat during the shortened match.

Alison Siu was the standout performer for Hong Kong, China, picking up three wickets for 11 runs in her two-over spell, earning her the Player of the Match award.

In reply, Hong Kong, China struggled at the start, managing just two runs in the opening over and losing two wickets, one of which was a run-out off the first delivery.

Kabita Kunwar gave Nepal a perfect start, but the momentum shifted when Hong Kong, China needed 16 runs from the final two overs, and Puja Mahato bowled the penultimate over, which went for 13 runs.

Shanzeen Shahzad remained unbeaten for Hong Kong, China, scoring 15 runs from 12 balls, including the match-winning six.

Kabita Kunwar did her best for Nepal, picking up two wickets for just five runs in her 1.3 overs.

With the win, Hong Kong, China moved to the top of Group C with four points from three matches, while Nepal are second with three points from three games. Bahrain remain at the bottom with just one point from two matches.

Nepal's qualification for the super three now hinges on their final group stage match against Bahrain on Thursday. A win in that match is essential, along with hoping for a favorable result in the Bahrain vs Hong Kong, China clash on Friday.