Kathmandu: Nepal women’s cricket team clinched a 3-2 series victory over Malaysia, edging the hosts by five wickets in the decisive fifth and final match of the Women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) bilateral series at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

With the series level at 2–2 heading into the final game, both teams were vying for glory. Nepal had claimed victory in the second and fourth matches—both by six wickets—while Malaysia triumphed in the opening and third games by three and 13 runs respectively.

Opting to bat first, Malaysia posted 103-7, with Nepal’s Rajmati Airee stealing the spotlight with the ball. She dismantled the top order, claiming three crucial wickets. In response, Nepal chased down the target with ease reaching 104-5 with two overs to spare.

Malaysia captain and opener Winfred Duraisingam top-scored for her side with a resilient 40 off 46 balls, striking five boundaries. Her innings came to an end after Kabita Joshi caught her in a delivery by Rajmati, who had earlier dismissed Nur Izzatul Syafiqa (10) and Mas Elysa, the latter for a golden duck, also caught by Kabita.

Rachana Chaudhary made the early breakthrough, removing opener Ainna Hamizah Hashim for 15 off 19 balls. Hashim had shared a 39-run stand with Winfred for the opening wicket before her dismissal.

Mahira Izzati Ismail chipped in with a brisk 19 off 18 deliveries before falling to Samjhana Khadka off a delivery by Kabita Kunwar. Nur Dani Syuhada also reached double figures, scoring 11 off 14 before being bowled by Kabita.

Rajmati Airee was named player-of-the-match for her impressive bowling figures of 3-15 in three overs. Kabita Joshi was equally effective, taking 3-16 in her four-over spell.

Nepal’s chase was anchored by contributions from their top and middle order. Opener Rubi Poddar led the way with 26 off 25 balls, including two boundaries. She was supported by Puja Mahato, who added 23 off 24.

Opener Samjhana Khadka chipped in with 13, while Kabita Kunwar made 14. Veteran Rubina Chhetry finished unbeaten on 15 off 15 balls to guide Nepal home.

Malaysia’s bowling effort saw five different players—Ainna Hamizah, Nur Dania, Aisya Eleesa, Mahira Izzati, and Nur Alya—claim one wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to deny Nepal a well-earned series win.