Uganda inflict Nepal 12-run defeat

By A Staff Reporter Kathmandu, May 17: Nepal made a poor start at the Women's T20 International Series following a 12-run defeat against Uganda in the first match held at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kritipur on Monday.

Put in to bat first, Uganda posted 102 runs losing five wickets in 20 overs. Nepal, in reply, managed to collect only 90 runs losing nine wickets in 20 overs. 

After suffering a defeat, Skipper Rubina Chhetri said her team was nervous after coming to play in a long gap. 

"I am disappointed after losing by a small margin. We faced defeat due to the flat wicket at the TU Ground. As it is a batting wicket, we plan of not losing the wickets ahead of six overs but we failed on it," Skipper Chhetri said.

"The big blow for us was when the middle order collapsed. Besides, I also could not lead the team. Now, we will focus on to comeback in the series," Chhetri added.

Chhetri also missed her batting partner Sita Rana Magar, who was abroad for playing international women's cricket. 

The visiting team’s bowlers dominated to restrict Nepal. Concy Aweko and Sarah Akiteng claimed two wickets while Janet Mbabazi and Rita Musamali contributed one wicket apiece for the visitors.

Indu Verma scored the highest 16 runs off 28 balls for home. Dolly Bhatta (10-ball 13), Opener Bindu Rawal (23-ball 12) and Kabita Kunwar (not out 6-ball 11) chipped in with double figures.  

Earlier, the tourists recovered from the early loss of Leona Babirye, who faced golden-duck-out, after all-rounder Janet Mbabazi top-scored with 38-ball 29. Her batting included three boundaries. 

Rita Nyangendo smashed a six and a four to contribute with 13-ball 18. Opener Kevin Awino (30-ball 15), Rita Musamali (not out 17-ball 13) and Franklin Najjumba (18-ball 12) contributed for the tourists. 

Kabita Kunwar claimed two wickets. Skipper Rubina Chhetri, Kabita Joshi and Indu Verma grabbed one wicket apiece for the home team. 

Uganda captain Aweko Numungu said the match was a fifty-fifty affair. “The match was equally poised but we bettered in the bowling department for a winning start in the series.” 

Asmina Karmacharya made her national debut today. Captain Chhetri handed her the debut cap.  

Captain of Bagmati Province n Karmacharya became the 23rd women cricketer to make T20 International debut from the national team.