Doha: Nepal put up a stirring all-round display to beat Qatar by 119 runs in the opening match of the women’s T20 international Series at the Asian Town Stadium on Tuesday.
Asked to bat first, Nepal lost an opener early but bounced back through a second-wicket stand and InduBarma’s superb half-century to record a challenging 146 for four. Hosts Qatar could manage only 27 in their reply before crashing all out in 11.5 overs.
Barma and Sita Rana Magar repaired the early damage with potent batting display as they collected 88 runs for the second wicket. Magar hit five boundaries in her 39 off 33 balls.
Barma retired hurt at 55 in 47 deliveries. She also had five fours in her knock. Later Sarita Magar held the innings through her 21 in 22 balls. Angeline Mare and SabeejaPanayan picked a wicket apiece.
Qatar had a disastrous start – two down for zero to four for 9 at one stage. They could never recover and got all out for 27 in 12 overs. The best batting efforts came from Khadija Imtiaz (8), Angeline Mare (8) and Kerry Pounsett (7).
Nepal skipper Rubina Chhetry, who got out for duck, made up for her failure as she grabbed three wickets only one run in 1.5 overs. Sita Rana had two for three and Kabita Kunwar picked two for six.
The second game is due to be held on Wednesday at the same venue.
Brief scores:
Nepal: 146 for 4 (Sita Rana Magar 39 off 33, InduBarma 55 in 47, Sarita Magar 21 off 22; Angeline Mare 1/18, Sabeeja Panayan 1/20)
Qatar: 27 all out in 11.5 overs (Rubina Chhetry 3/1, Sita Rana Magar 2/3, Kabita Kunwar 2/6)
Player of the match: Indu Barma (Nepal)
Today: Second T20I at Asian Town Stadium (starting time 1 pm)
