Kathmandu: Nepal succumbed to a 78-run defeat against hosts Thailand in their last Super Three match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier at Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok, on Tuesday.

Thailand and Nepal came into the match having already secured their places in the global qualifiers as the top two sides of the Asia Region Qualifier. The match was played to determine the winners of the regional tournament.

As a result, Thailand advanced as winners and Nepal finished as runners-up.

Sent to bat first, Thailand posted a challenging total of 158-2 in the allotted 20 overs, on the back of half-centuries by opener Nattaya Boochatham and Nannapat Koncharoenkai. In reply, Nepal were restricted to 80-9.

Opener Nattaya scored exactly 50 runs off 42 balls, including five boundaries, before she was caught by Roma Thapa in a delivery by Manisha Upadhyay. She shared a 75-run opening stand with Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, who contributed 29 runs off 43 balls.

Nannapat contributed a quickfire not out 50 off 28 balls, hitting eight boundaries. Natthakan Chantham also remained unbeaten on 15 off 9 balls.

Rajmati Airee and Manisha Upadhyay took one wicket each.

In their chase, Nepal lost wickets at regular intervals. Number-three batter Kabita Kunwar scored 24 off 33, while Rajmati Airee remained unbeaten on 20 off 27. Rubina Chhetry was the only other Nepali batter to reach double figures, scoring 12 off 16 balls.

Opener Samjhana Khadka (9), Rubi Poddar (4), captain Indu Barma (7) and Puja Mahato (0) were dismissed cheaply.

1. Thailand’s bowler Onnicha Kamchomphu claimed four wickets in her four-over spell, conceding just 11 runs and delivering a maiden over. Thipatcha Putthawong also came up with impressive bowling taking three wickets for 14 runs in her four overs, including a maiden over.