Batting first, Bhutan batted the allotted 25 overs losing nine wickets. Thanks to Sonu Khadka’s excellent bowling, Nepal restricted Bhutan to 34 runs. In reply, Nepal completed the chase in 9.3 overs losing just a wicket.

Opener Maya Rawat posted an unbeaten 20 runs off 25 balls, which included a

boundary. Roshani Singh hit two runs before being trapped leg before by Anju Gurung while Trishna Singh, who had come to the crease after Roshani’s departure remained unbeaten at three runs.

Earlier, player-of-the-match Sonu bowled miserly grabbing two wickets and giving away three runs in her five-over spell. Nepal kept Bhutan under pressure right from the beginning, and none of Bhutanese batters could reach double figure. Sonu bowled Yeshey Choden when Bhutan had seven runs on the board. Three runs later, Rekha Rawal had Ugyen Dema trapped leg before. Bhutan was dealt another blow when Sonam Deki (6 runs) was run out. Pema Cheki top-scored with just seven runs for Bhutan.

Sita Magar took two wickets for Nepal. Likewise, Rekha, Nary Thapa, Keshari Chaudhary and Binu Magar claimed a wicket each.

Bhutan Coach D.S. Gurung hailed Nepal’s excellent bowling, saying Nepal was the strongest team in the group. “The bowlers are outstanding. Everyone rates Nepal as a good team,” said Gurung.

Nepal’s Coach Jamil Ansari said he was happy with his team’s performance and hoped to keep up the good work throughout the tournament. “Our bowling has been excellent and our fielding is good too in comparison with other teams,” said the coach.

However, Ansari expressed concern that his team’s batting was yet to be tested. “I hope we get to bat properly in the next couple of matches,” said Ansari.

Nepal’s next outing is against Singapore on Tuesday at Prem Centre.

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