Kabita Kunwar’s hat-trick, six-for skittle Vanuatu for 49

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 30, 2026

Nepal produced a complete performance in Kigali on Thursday, defeating Vanuatu Women by 83 runs in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy.

After struggling with the bat in recent matches, Nepal finally found their rhythm. Opting to bat first at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, they put up a strong total of 132 for 3 in their 20 overs.

The innings was built around a composed knock from opener Samjhana Khadka, who scored 52 off 51 balls, striking nine boundaries. Bindu Rawal was slow again with her procredings scoring 7 off 24 before she was retired hurt.

Puja Mahato (19 off 20) helped steady the innings in the middle overs, but it was captain Indu Barma who provided the real push towards the end.

Coming in during the final phase, Indu Barma played a brilliant unbeaten innings of 43 from just 18 balls, hitting seven fours and lifting Nepal to a competitive total.

For Vanuatu, Nasimana Navaika was the most economical, picking up 1 for 21 in her four overs. Rachel Andrew (1 for 42) and Nathalie Kakor (1 for 34) also claimed a wicket each but were unable to contain the late acceleration.

In response, Vanuatu never really got going. Nepal’s bowlers applied pressure from the start and eventually bowled them out for just 49 in 16.4 overs.

Kabita Kunwar led the charge with an outstanding spell, finishing with 6 wickets for just 5 runs in 3.4 overs.

The highlight of her performance came in the 15th over, where she claimed a hat-trick, dismissing Gillian Chilia, Alvina Chilia, and Anna Griffin on consecutive deliveries. Notably, all six of her wickets came through clean bowled.

Vanuatu’s batting lineup struggled throughout. Opener Valenta Langiatu top-scored with 14, while Nasimana Navaika added 11. Captain Rachel Andrew managed 8, but the rest of the batters failed to make an impact, with several falling for single digits or ducks.

Nepal’s supporting bowlers were equally effective. Rachana Kumari Chaudhary picked up 2 for 12, while Puja Mahato claimed 2 for 10, ensuring there was no recovery for Vanuatu. Riya Sharma and Manisha Upadhayay kept things tight during their spells.