KATHMANDU: In their fifth game at The Sevens Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, Nepal defeated Kuwait by a commanding 165 runs in the ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier. Nepal achieved a commanding total of 213/2 in their 20 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

With a superb all-around effort, Nepal's captain, Puja Mahato, led the attack. The team's innings was anchored by her 130 runs off 69 balls, which included 17 boundaries. Soni Pakhrin's 43 runs off of 33 balls were a crucial source of support. With 11 and 6 runs, respectively, Sabitri Dhami and Sana Praveen contributed. Kuwait's bowlers had a difficult innings, giving up a total of 23 extras.

As they chased 214 to win, Kuwait's batting order broke down. After just 13 overs, they were bowled out for 48 runs. With seven boundaries and 36 runs off 42 balls, Zifa Jilani was Kuwait's most impressive player. Though seven extras from Nepal's bowlers further hampered the team's score, none of her colleagues were able to reach double figures.

Puja Mahato made an impression with the ball after being outstanding with the bat. In her period, she took five wickets, essentially destroying Kuwait's batting order. Both Seema KC and Rachana Kumari Chaudhary, who each took two wickets throughout the game, were crucial players. 

Two wickets were taken by Kuwait's bowlers during Nepal's innings. Relin Maria D'Souza and Zifa Jilani each took one wicket, making them the only bowlers to appear on the scoresheet.

Nepal's impressive tournament campaign continues with the decisive victory. Their next game is Wednesday against the United Arab Emirates. The competition, which includes Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Thailand, promises a spot in the 2025 U-19 Women's World Cup in Malaysia, although only the best team advances.

Nepal demonstrated their all-around strength in this match, and their resounding success was largely due to Mahato's leadership with the bat and the ball.