By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, may.1: Kabita Kunwar’s record six‑wicket haul and Samjhana Khadka’s second half‑century steered Nepal to their fourth win at the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy in Kigali, Rwanda.
Nepal defeated Vanuatu by 83 runs, though the margin was not enough to take them to the top of the table.
With one match remaining, Nepal sit on eight points from seven games.
The USA, who beat Italy by nine wickets earlier in the day, lead with 12 points and have already clinched the maiden title of the ICC‑organised tournament, designed to give associate nations greater exposure.
Batting first at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Nepal posted 132 for three in 20 overs. Vanuatu folded for just 49 in 16.4 overs.
Kunwar, Nepal’s leading wicket‑taker, produced a career‑best spell to lead the bowling onslaught.
She claimed six wickets for five runs in 3.4 overs, including a hat‑trick and a maiden.
She now has 71 T20I wickets from 72 matches. Puja Mahato and Rachana Chaudhary chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Only Valenta Langiatu (14) and Nasimana Navaika (11) reached double figures for Vanuatu, who suffered their second defeat to Nepal in the event.
Kunwar was named Player of the Match and said she was delighted with the milestone: “I am so happy. Thanks to the support from the team. I was just executing the team plan. I am just enjoying my bowling, that’s it.”
Earlier, Nepal made a strong start with a 44‑run opening stand between Khadka and Mahato.
Khadka struck nine boundaries in her 52 off 51 balls, her second T20I fifty. Her first half-century was of 73 runs against the UAE.
Mahato added 19 before falling as the first wicket.
After Bindu Rawal retired hurt on seven, Khadka shared a 37‑run stand with skipper Indu Barma, who blasted an unbeaten 47 off 18 balls with seven fours.
Rubi Poddar managed one, while Kunwar added six not out.
Rachel Andrew, Natalia Kakor and Navaika claimed one wicket each for Vanuatu.
Nepal’s final match is against Italy on May 1.
The Rising Nepal
