If you're a fan of cricket, you know that some of the most exciting stories are about redemption. That's exactly what we saw unfold at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on October 4th. The Nepal Women's cricket team, fresh off a heartbreaking loss, stepped onto the field for the second T20I against Malaysia with something to prove. And prove it they did, with a composed and thrilling 6-wicket victory that leveled the series.
Key Highlights
- ✓ In the second T20I, Nepal Women won by 6 wkts against Malaysia Women, chasing down the target in 16.2 overs.
- ✓ The match was part of the Nepal Women tour of Malaysia 2025, held at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur.
- ✓ Puja Mahato was named Player of the Match for her crucial knock of 39 runs from 39 balls.
- ✓ This victory was a strong comeback after Nepal narrowly lost the first match of the series by just three runs.
- ✓ The series serves as vital preparation for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
Setting the Scene: A Series of High Stakes
You see, this wasn't just another game. The Nepal Women tour of Malaysia is a crucial stepping stone. Both teams are gearing up for the Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, so every match, every over, and every run counts. The pressure was on, especially after the nail-biter of a first match on October 2nd.
In that initial showdown, Malaysia won the toss, chose to bat, and put up a competitive 104 runs. Their captain, Winifred Durrasingham, led from the front with 27 runs, supported by Aina Hamiza Hasimah with 26 and Mas Aisa with 25. Chasing 105, Nepal fought valiantly but fell agonizingly short, scoring 101 runs and losing by just three runs. Despite the loss, Pooja Mahato had shown her form with a top score of 30. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it set the stage for an epic comeback story.
The Second T20I: A Tale of Two Innings
Fast forward to the second T20I. Malaysia's women posted a total of 91 for the loss of 4 wickets in their 20 overs. It was a solid, if not massive, score. For Nepal, this was their chance. A target of 92 was very gettable, but after the close call in the first game, nothing could be taken for granted. The pressure was on the batters to stay calm and build partnerships.
And that's where Puja Mahato truly stepped up. She played a masterful innings, anchoring the chase with a brilliant 39 runs off just 39 balls. Her knock included four well-placed boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking and eased the pressure on her teammates. It was the kind of performance that defines a match, and it rightfully earned her the Player of the Match award.
The Nail-Biting Finish
Here's where things got really tense. As Nepal neared the target, every ball felt significant. In the 14th over, bowler Nur Dania Syuhada delivered a huge blow for Malaysia, bowling the set batter, Puja Mahato. At 39 runs, her departure could have swung the momentum. The experienced Rubina Chhetry, a right-handed bat, came to the crease to join Indu Barma, and the responsibility fell on their shoulders.
Malaysia brought their strike bowler, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, back into the attack. Her figures of 2 wickets for 12 runs showed just how dangerous she was. The batters played cautiously, picking up singles and rotating the strike. Rubina and Indu chipped away at the remaining runs, navigating the tricky bowling from Nur Dania Syuhada and Ainna Hamizah Hashim with a mix of defense and smart running.
The Winning Moment and Broader Context
The game reached its climax in the 17th over. With the scores nearly level, the tension was palpable. Ainna Hamizah Hashim ran in to bowl to Indu Barma. On the second ball of the over, Barma connected perfectly, sending the ball racing to the boundary for a decisive FOUR. The Nepali dugout erupted. They had done it, reaching 93/4 with plenty of balls to spare (16.2 overs), securing a fantastic 6-wicket win.
This victory is more than just a single win; it's a statement. It shows the resilience and fight of this Nepali team as they prepare for the global stage. It’s a moment of triumph that sits within a packed global cricket calendar. While this series unfolds, cricket fans are also looking ahead to huge clashes like the India vs Pakistan matches scheduled for the 2025 Asia Cup and discussing major headlines, such as Ajit Agarkar's comment that "It's very difficult to have three different captains."
From domestic action in South Africa's CSA Four-Day Series to upcoming tours like Ireland's visit to Bangladesh, the sport is alive and kicking everywhere. The victory for Nepal's women is a brilliant piece of that larger, exciting puzzle, showcasing the growing strength and passion in women's international cricket.
Conclusion
The bottom line is this: Nepal's six-wicket victory over Malaysia was a fantastic display of character. After the narrowest of defeats in the first T20I, they regrouped and delivered a clinical performance when it mattered most. Led by a stellar Player of the Match innings from Puja Mahato and sealed with a confident boundary by Indu Barma, this win levels the series and provides a massive confidence boost. It's a perfect example of the drama and excitement that makes cricket, especially on the international stage, so compelling to watch.
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