Nepal begin Asian Games Qualifier campaign with a win

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 27, 2026

Nepal opened their Women’s Asian Games Qualifier campaign with a 19-run win over China in Malaysia on Wednesday.

Batting first, Nepal posted 125 for 5 before restricting China to 106 for 5 at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval.

Puja Mahato led the batting with 63 off 57 balls, her fourth international fifty and first while opening the innings. She struck six boundaries before being run out by Ma Ruike.

Sony Pakhrin added 18 off 24 balls, while Rubi Poddar contributed a gritty 22 off 25 to help Nepal reach a competitive total.

For China, Ma Ruike picked up 2 for 26 from her four overs, while Wang Huiying and Li Jiaping claimed one wicket each.

In reply, China’s top order got starts but failed to maintain the required momentum. Captain Zhu Mingyue top-scored with 30 off 28 balls with two boundaries. Wang Huiying (21), Li Jiaping (15) and Wei Haiting (18) also chipped in with runs.

Nepal conceded 17 extras in the field but still managed to defend the total comfortably.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Manisha Upadhyay continued her impressive form with 1 for 11, while Kabita Kunwar returned 1 for 15. Puja Mahato also picked up a wicket despite conceding 24 runs from her three overs.

Nepal will next face Indonesia on Thursday in their final group-stage match before the semi-finals.