USA hand Nepal third defeat in the Women’s Challenge Trophy

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 26, 2026

Nepal suffered their third defeat in the Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy after going down to USA by seven wickets at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Rwanda.

USA chased the 87-run target in 11.5 overs, losing three wickets. Earlier, after opting to bat first, Nepal posted 86 for 6 from their 20 overs.

Nepal, who have struggled with the bat throughout the tournament, had only one batter reach double figures. Rubi Poddar top-scored with an unbeaten 51 off 51 balls, striking five boundaries and a six.

USA’s bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings. Ritu Singh (2 for 21) and Maahi Madhavan (2 for 16) shared four wickets, while Aditiba Chudasama and Sainavi Kambalapalli picked up one each.

In reply, USA reached the target comfortably, helped by a 35-run stand between Ishani Vaghela and Pooja Ganesh. Ishani remained unbeaten on 35, while Pooja struck a quick 20 off 8 balls to finish the chase swiftly.

Captain Indu Barma, along with Puja Mahato and Manisha Upadhyay, were among the wicket-takers for Nepal.

Nepal will next face hosts Rwanda in the reverse fixture on Tuesday.