Nepal fall to lowest-ranked team in the Women’s Challenge Trophy

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 24, 2026

Ranked No. 32 in the Women’s T20I rankings, Vanuatu handed Nepal their second defeat of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy after defending 97 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Rwanda.

Batting first, Vanuatu posted 97 for 5 and then secured a 22-run win, with opener Valenta Langiatu top-scoring with 42 off 50 balls, hitting two sixes and two boundaries.

Nepal’s bowlers had kept the target within reach. Offspinner Riya Sharma picked up two wickets while conceding just 11 runs from her four overs.

Rachana Chaudhary claimed a wicket but was expensive, conceding 31 runs. Left-arm spinner Manisha Upadhyay and medium pacer Kabita Kunwar chipped in with a wicket each.

Chasing 98, Nepal were bowled out for 75 after another batting collapse.

Samjhana Khadka once again provided a start with 24 off 19 balls, striking four boundaries. Indu Barma (13) and Kabita Kunwar (10) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

For Vanuatu, offspinner Velanessa Vira (3 for 11) and legspinner Nasimana Navaika (3 for 17) shared six wickets, while captain Rachel Andrew also picked up one.

Nepal will next face USA in the reverse fixture on Sunday.