Nepal triumphed over Uganda by one wicket in the Women’s Day Cup, ending a nine-match losing streak. U-19 skipper Puja Mahato shone with a three-wicket haul and 16 runs. Nepal chased down 76 runs, with Sana Praveen scoring 17 on her debut. Nepal will face Hong Kong next.
On March 10, Nepal achieved a dramatic 1-wicket victory over Uganda in the Women’s Day Cup Twenty20 Series held in Entebbe. This significant win ended Nepal’s nine-match losing streak, marking their first victory on African soil. The Nepali women’s team had been struggling since their last win against the UAE on July 19, 2024.
Puja Mahato, the U-19 skipper, was instrumental in the victory, demonstrating her talent with both bat and ball. She claimed three wickets and contributed 16 runs, earning the Player of the Match honor. Nepal opted to field first after winning the toss, successfully restricting Uganda to a total of 75 runs.
Nepal chased down the target of 76 runs in 19.5 overs, albeit losing nine wickets during the process. Sana Praveen, in her debut match, was the highest scorer for Nepal with 17 runs off 36 balls. This match marked her as the 38th player to debut for the Nepali women’s national team. Other contributors included Puja Mahato with 16 runs, and former captain Rubia Chhetry who added 10 runs.
For Uganda, Janet Mbabazi stood out with three wickets, and Sarah Walaza claimed two. Immaculate Nakisuuyi was Uganda’s top scorer, managing 22 runs from 40 balls, while Malisa Ariokot and Stephanie Nampiina scored 11 and 14 runs respectively. In addition, Puja excelled with her bowling, leading the Nepalese team with a crucial three-wicket haul, supported by Indu Barma who took two wickets. Nepal is scheduled to play against Hong Kong on Monday.
Nepal’s remarkable win against Uganda in the Women’s Day Cup marks a pivotal moment for the team, ending a challenging losing streak and showcasing the talent of players like Puja Mahato. This victory highlights the growth of women’s cricket in Nepal and sets a positive tone for their forthcoming challenges in the series.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
