Pakistan beat Nepal to register first win in Women’s Asia Cup 2024

Pakistan triumphed by nine wickets over Nepal to secure their first win of the 2024 Women's Asia Cup on Sunday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Chasing down the target in just 11.5 overs, the team was powered by a remarkable 105-run opening stand between Gul Feroza and Muneeba Ali.

Feroza celebrated her maiden T20I century with a brisk 57 off 35 balls, hitting 10 fours. Muneeba Ali remained unbeaten, scoring 46 off 34 balls, which included eight boundaries.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan elected to bowl first and quickly put Nepal on the back foot.

Fatima Sana struck in the first over, dismissing Samjhana Khadka for just 4 runs.

 Despite a brief recovery by Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar, Nepal faltered again, losing two wickets for 30 runs. Sadia Iqbal took crucial wickets, including Kunwar for 13 and captain Indu Barma for a duck.

Nepal's scoring rate slowed considerably after Rubina Chhetry was dismissed in the 10th over, and Sita Rana Magar was out after making 26 off 30 balls in the 15th over.

However, a late push from Kabita Joshi and Puja Mahato lifted Nepal to a respectable total of 108 for 6 in their 20 overs.

Kabita remained unbeaten with 31 off 23 balls, including three fours and a six, while Mahato contributed a valuable 25 runs. Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, finishing with figures of 2 for 19.