Pakistan keep semi-final hopes alive with thumping win over Nepal

Pakistan Women openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali killed the game against Nepal with a stand of 105 

Pakistan kept their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign alive with a thumping nine-wicket win over Nepal in the second double-header played under lights at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Having lost their opening game to India, Pakistan were in a must-win situation and did not disappoint, restricting Nepal to 108-6 and then smashing their way to 105 in 11.2 overs by their openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali to kill the game.

Player of the Match Feroza was the aggressor, scoring 57 off 35 balls (10 fours), while Muneeba stayed unbeaten on 46 off 34 balls (8 fours).

Nepal started briskly after being sent in. They had a strong finish as well. But the Pakistan bowlers and fielders – there were three run-outs – caused enough damage in the middle overs to restrict Nepal. The win boosted Pakistan’s net run-rate to 0.409 and lifted them to second position on the points table.

Scores: Nepal Women 108-6 (20) (Sita Rana Magar 26, Puja Mahato 25, Kabita Joshi 31*, Sadia Iqbal 2/19)

Pakistan Women 110-1 (11.5) (Gull Feroza 57, Muneeba Ali 46*)