Kathmandu: Hosts Nepal succumbed to a second straight defeat going down to Thailand by four wickets in the Nepal Women’s T20I Series at the TU ground, Kirtipur, on Saturday.

Chasing a modest target of 102, Thailand overcame early hiccups to reach 102/6 in 19 overs to claim second consecutive victory in the tournament.

Electing to bat first, Nepal struggled to build momentum losing wickets at regular intervals. The opening pair of Samjhana Khadka (0) and Mamta Chaudhary (2) departed cheaply, putting the hosts on the back foot early.

Captain Indu Barma (15 off 17), Kabita Kunwar (25 off 32), and Bindu Rawal (25 off 25) were the only batters to reach double figures as Nepal limped to 101-9 in the allotted 20 overs.

Thailand’s bowlers maintained tight control throughout the innings. Thipatcha Putthawong starred with the ball, delivering an impressive spell of 4-1-17-3. She was well supported by Phannita Maya (3-0-20-2) and Nattaya Boochatham (4-0-18-2), who picked up crucial wickets to restrict Nepal to a below-par total.

In reply, Thailand’s chase got off to a shaky start as both openers, Nattaya Boochatham and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, were dismissed for just 1 run each. Thailand’s wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai anchored the innings with a match-winning unbeaten 60 runs off 58 that  included four hits to boundaries. The player-of-the-match Nannapat Koncharoenkai knock proved pivotal in steadying Thailand’s innings.

Captain Naruemol Chaiwai (13 off 21) and Suwanan Khiaoto (14 off 10) provided valuable contributions, ensuring Thailand stayed on course despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Nepal’s bowlers put up a spirited fight, with Manisha Upadhyaya being the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2-13 in her four overs. Rubina Chhetry and Kabita Joshi chipped in with a wicket each.

With this win, Thailand leads the series with two victories in as many matches, while Nepal faces an uphill battle after consecutive losses, having earlier fallen to the Netherlands by 20 runs in the tournament opener. The Netherlands, meanwhile, have one win and one loss in the series.

Nepal will vie against the Netherlands in their second match on Sunday in the event being held on triple round robin league format.