Nepal secured a spot in the semifinals of the Women’s U-19 Asia Cup defeating Pakistan by six wickets in an exciting experience at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday.

Pakistan, who won the hurl and chose to bat to begin with, posted an unassuming add up to of 104/5 in their designated 20 overs. Pakistan’s best scorer was Komal Khan, who made 38 runs off 44 balls, hitting two boundaries. Maham Anis remained unbeaten on 29, whereas Ravail Farhan contributed 13 runs.

In answer, Nepal come to the target, wrapping up at 105/4 in 19 overs. Captain Puja Mahato driven the chase with an amazing 47 not out off 47 balls, counting three fours. She was well backed by Sana Parveen (10), Sony Pakhrin (13), and Simana KC,who remained unbeaten on 12.

Pakistan's bowlers, Fatima Khan and Quratulain Ahsen, claimed one wicket each, but they couldn't halt Nepal’s unfaltering chase.

Earlier, in their batting innings, Pakistan battled to quicken after an early collapse, and Nepal's bowlers, driven by captain Puja Mahato, kept the weight on. Puja was the standout performer with the ball, claiming two wickets, whereas Rachana Kumari Chaudhary, Riya Sharma, and Simana KC took one wicket each.

With this win, Nepal progressed to the semifinals as the group leaders of Gather A, having crushed Pakistan in both their bunch matches. They will presently confront India in the elimination round on Tuesday.

In the interim, Group B teams, counting Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, proceed their fight for semifinal spots.

source: thekathmandupost.