KATHMANDU: Nepal U-19 women’s cricket team made a winless exit from the group stage after they succumbed to an 83-run defeat against Australia in their last Group D match of the  ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Bangi, Australia, on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Australia posted a challenging total of 139-6 before restricting Nepal to a low total of 56-8 in the allotted 20 overs.

Having lost to Bangladesh by five wickets and Scotland by one wicket, the third defeat in the four-team group meant Nepal finished at the rock bottom of Group D without opening accounts in the points table.

The Australian youth side encountered early setbacks, losing three quick wickets with just 14 runs on board. However, their middle-order batters stepped up to stabilise the innings. Caoimhe Bray played a crucial knock of 45 runs off just 34 balls, smashing three boundaries and three sixes to anchor the innings.

She was well supported by Eleanor Larosa, who added a steady 31 off 39 balls. The duos 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket was instrumental in setting up the platform for a late flourish.

Hasrat Gill provided the much-needed finishing touches with a quick-fire 30 not out off 21 deliveries, including two boundaries and a six. Chloe Ainsworth added a valuable cameo of 16 off 9 balls, ensuring that Australia posted a challenging total.

Captain Puja Mahato was the standout bowler for Nepal returning with figures of 3-24. Seemana KC also bowled effectively, picking up 2-29.

Nepal’s batters struggled in the run chase against a disciplined and aggressive Australian bowling attack. Captain Puja was the only Nepali batter to touch double digit figures scoring 18 runs off 42 as they lost wickets on regular interval.

Australian bowlers Hasrat Gill, Juliette Morton and Lily Bassingthwaighte shared two wickets apiece.

The third victory in as many matches sends Australia to Super Six stage as the Group D toppers with maximum six points, while Bangladesh advanced to next stage with four points and Scotland with two points.