Hong Kong Women Edge Out Nepal Women by 2 Runs in T20I Series
Close Contest at Entebbe Cricket Oval Highlights the Thrills of Women's Cricket
On March 10, 2025, Hong Kong Women (HK-W) triumphed over Nepal Women (NP-W) by just 2 runs during the sixth T20I match of the Women’s T20I Quadrangular Series at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent within women’s cricket.
Hong Kong Women started the innings at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, setting the stage with 100 runs for the loss of 7 wickets over their allotted 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was Indu Barma, who contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 32 runs off 33 balls. Other notable contributions came from Puja Mahato with 19 runs off 28 balls and Bindu Rawal, who chipped in with 14 runs off 17 balls. Captain Samjhana Khadka, unfortunately, had a tough outing, managing only 1 run off 2 balls, and other players like Kabita Joshi and Rubina Chhetry did not score (0 runs).
Nepal Women, chasing the target, faced challenges as they could only muster 98 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, giving Hong Kong the narrow victory. Despite their efforts, they fell just short of clinching the win. The chase saw all-rounder Indu Barma performing well, contributing with both bat and ball, having earlier claimed 2 wickets during Hong Kong’s innings.
Throughout the match, bowlers played a pivotal role. For Hong Kong, Mariko Hill was the standout performer, taking 2 wickets at the expense of 21 runs, and Iqra Sahar, whose contributions included 0 wickets but kept the run rate low, conceding just 19 runs over 4 overs. Alsion Siu also impressed by claiming 1 wicket for only 12 runs.
The match unfolded against the scenic backdrop of the Entebbe Cricket Oval, where bowlers typically had the advantage, as indicated by the last match’s benchmark, where Namibia Women played and set the total to 227 runs over 12 wickets. Despite the favorable bowling conditions, the batters were able to create some moments of excitement. The pitch report predicted another low-scoring fixture, proving true yet again.
Following the match, players from both sides reflected on the nail-biting encounter. One player noted, "The thrill of playing close matches like these is what we live for. Every run matters; every ball counts!"
The competitive nature of the series continues to thrive, with both teams having won one match each out of their last two leading up to this encounter. The previous victories add to the anticipation for the next matches, where both teams will aim to leverage their experiences from this match.
Looking at team stats, Hong Kong Women have proven to be the stronger team historically, winning 3 out of the 4 head-to-head matches against Nepal Women, who managed to secure only 1 victory.
Upcoming matches will surely stir excitement as teams fine-tune their strategies, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats. The squad dynamics, which include formidable players like N Miles, who scored 40 runs last match; M Hill, performing consistently; and P Mahato, whose all-round skills make her indispensable, will be key components moving forward.
Fans can expect stringent contests from both teams as they prepare for their next games, with analysts and cricket enthusiasts alike eager to see whether Nepal can even the score against Hong Kong or if Hong Kong will continue their dominance. This series doesn't just highlight individual talent but also elevates women’s cricket on the global stage, making it increasingly popular and competitive.
With the current match ending on such close terms, it’s clear this series will be remembered for its thrilling contests and remarkable displays of skill. Each match brings unique challenges, and as teams adapt and grow, the race to clinch the title becomes more thrilling.
Expect many more captivating performances as the Women's T20I Quadrangular Series progresses, showcasing the brilliance and grit of female cricketers around the globe.