Login
Nepal Women's cricket team began their Super Three campaign in style as they edged past United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women by five wickets in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025. Both teams battled for supremacy in the tournament and crucial qualification points. The low-scoring match between Nepal and UAE was played on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Bangkok, Thailand's Terdthai Cricket Ground.
Indu Barma, the captain of the Nepal Women's team, made a wise decision by winning the toss and opting to bowl first on a slightly difficult Bangkok pitch. Her bowlers honored the confidence by restricting a powerful UAE team and it just score of 114/7 in 20 overs. The morning start at 8:00 AM IST added hurdles to the betting and Nepal's disciplined bowling squad took full advantage.
Manisha Upadhayay's explosive bowling performance, which shocked the UAE batting order with remarkable figures of 4/20, which was the high point of the first innings. Her quick conclusions made sure the UAE never gained momentum in their batting. Despite the loss, UAE captain Esha Rohit Oza maintained his composure and made sure the team posted a manageable total with a courageous 39, the innings' best score.
In reply, Nepal's innings got off to a shaky start, losing quick wickets inside the power play. But Captain Indu Barma kept her team from panicking and led the team from the front with a calm and composed nature and secure 30 runs to not giving the wicket. She found a reliable partner in Rubina Chhetry, who added a valuable 23 runs, as the pair steered Nepal through the middle overs.
Despite having an average aim, the chase was far from easy. Nepal eventually crossed the finish line of the runs in 19.3 overs and winning by five wickets, despite a few failures. Their confidence under the pressure were all demonstrated during the game.
Nepal now has a significant advantage in the Super Three round of the qualifications due to this victory. Now, every game is extremely important as both teams aim to qualify for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2025. For UAE, the loss comes as a setback, especially after a decent start in the tournament's earlier stages.
UAE has to improve their middle-order weakness and bowling inconsistency, while Nepal will want to build more confidence from this victory. However, the fight shown by both sides proves that women's cricket in Asia is growing stronger, producing competitive matches and emerging talents.
It was more than just a group-stage victory, Nepal's victory over the UAE was a declaration of faith and will. Nepal has made it clear that they are here to qualify, not merely to compete in the tournament, with players like Manisha Upadhayay and Indu Barma, Nepal giving a clear message to her opponent team.
