KATHMANDU: Nepal national U-19 women’s team are on the verge of exit from group stage of the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup following their second defeat against Scotland after they succumbed to a one wicket defeat in Bangi, Malaysia, on Monday. 

Nepali batting unit struggled for the second game in a row and were all out for 73 runs in 18.5 overs after they elected to bat first. Chasing the meager target, the Scottish team too were shaky in their run chase. They however, held their nerves to secure victory with seven balls to spare for the loss of nine wickets. 

Nepal had fared poorly with bat in their first match of Group D against Bangladesh on Saturday posting a total of 52 runs in 13.2 overs and eventually lost the game by five wickets. 

With the second defeat in a row, Nepal are pointless and hit the bottom of the standings in the four-team group that sends the top three sides in the Super Six stage. Nepal now need to defeat the undefeated group leaders Australia in their next match on Wednesday and hope that Scotland lose to Bangladesh on the same day for qualification into the next stage. 

Australia have four points, while Bangladesh and Scotland two points each after playing two games apiece. 

Nepal captain Puja Mahato contributed 27 runs off 43 balls, the highest of the innings, including three boundaries. Sabitri Dhami (10 runs-11) was the only other player for Nepal to add runs in double digits as they lost other wickets in regular interval. 

Scotland’s Maisie Maceira emerged as the standout bowler claiming a brilliant five-wicket, finishing with figures of 3.5-0-15-5. Ammy Baldie (4-0-17-2) and Nayma Sheikh (4-0-19-2) also played crucial roles in dismantling Nepal’s batting lineup.

The Scottish run chase also mirrored Nepal’s in terms of pressure and frequent dismissals. But Pippa Sproul anchored the chase with a composed 35 off 47 balls, smashing three boundaries before falling to Rachana Chaudhary. Despite her efforts, the Scottish middle order faltered as Nepal’s bowlers and fielders piled on the pressure. 

The game reached a nail-biting climax with Scotland needing 16 runs down to their final wicket. Gabriella Fontenla (12 not out) kept her nerve, scoring vital runs in the lower order to guide her side to victory as the score read 74-9 in 18.4 overs.

Rachana Chaudhary (2-0-6-2) and Seemana KC (4-0-15-2) shone with the ball, while Puja Mahato and Anu Kadayat chipped in with brilliant run-outs to keep Nepal in the contest.