KATHMANDU: Hosts Nepal lost the inaugural match of the Nepal Women T20I Tri Series going down to the Netherlands by 20 runs at the TU Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday.  

Nepal managed to score 137-7 after the visiting Dutch side, sent to bat first, posted a challenging total of  157/4 in the alloted 20 overs. 

Robine Rijke scored a brilliant half century for the visiting side though they lost two early wickets with 9-2 on board. Kabita Kunwar trapped opener Phebe Molkenboer (0) leg before on the second ball of the innings while skipper Babette de Leede (6) was bowled by Puja Mahato in the last delivery of the second over.  

But Robine Rijke anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 48 balls, including eight boundaries. She found excellent support from Iris Zwilling, who provided late innings fireworks with an unbeaten 31 off just 13 deliveries.

Opener Sterre Kalis contributed a solid 29-run 35 and also shared a 47-run partnership for the third wicket with Robine Rijke. Heather Siegers added a quickfire 23 off 19 before her dismissal. 

Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, Ishwori Bist and Sita Rana Magar grabbed a wicket each for Nepal.

In the run chase, Nepal lost wickets on a regular interval and also lacked a defining partnership. Opener Sita Rana Magar top-scored with 28 from 45 balls while her opening partner Samjhana Khadka was dismissed on nine runs. Sita hit three boundaries before she was stumped by Babette de Leede in the 18th over.

Kabita Joshi (27-run 17) and Puja Mahato (24-run 14) made valuable contributions in the middle order. Mahato’s innings was particularly aggressive, featuring two sixes and two fours. Rubina Chhetri contributed ball-a- run 11.

The Dutch bowling attack was led by Caroline de Lange and Eva Lynch, with both of them claiming two wickets each. Frederique Overdijk and Iris Zwilling picked one wicket each. 

The Netherlands will play against Thailand on Friday while Nepal and Thai team will vie on Saturday at the same venue. The tournament is being played in the triple round robin league format.