Kathmandu: Thailand sealed the Nepal Women’s T20I Tri Series with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Nepal, pouring cold water on the hosts’ ambition of signing off with at least a consolation win at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Friday.

With this win, Thailand finished atop the table with 10 points from six matches, two points ahead of runners-up the Netherlands. Nepal endured a disappointing campaign, ending at the bottom without a single win.

Nepal’s batting struggles continued in the last match of the Series as well.Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal managed a modest total of 81-7 in 20 overs.

Despite a cautious start, none of the Nepali batters could capitalize on their innings, with only four players reaching double figures. Opener Samjhana Khadka top-scored with 17 off 29 balls, while skipper Indu Barma (10 off 21), Kabita Joshi (14 off 12), and debutant Rajmati Airee (not out 11 off 17) were the other notable contributors.

Thailand’s disciplined bowling attack kept the pressure over the hosts. Player-of-the- match Onnicha Kamchomphu was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs in her four-over spell. Chanida Sutthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham, and Suleeporn Laomi chipped in with a wicket each to restrict Nepal to a below-par total.

In reply, Thailand made light work of the run chase, reaching 82-3 in 17 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai anchored the innings with 23 off 32 balls before being bowled by Nepal captain Indu Barma.

Skipper Naruemol Chaiwai played a crucial unbeaten knock of 27 off 32 balls, including two boundaries. Opener Nattaya Boochatham contributed 11 off 13. Phannita Maya remained not out on nine runs, guiding Thailand to a comfortable victory.

For Nepal, Indu Barma was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-1-16-2, while Puja Mahato claimed the other wicket. However, Nepal’s bowling efforts were not enough to defend the low total.

The tournament, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal, followed a triple round-robin format. 

Puja Mahato best among Nepali cricketers

Youth cricketer Puja Mahato was named the best player among the members of national team. The 18-year-old was rewarded with a Yamaha two wheeler. She finished as the highest run scorer for Nepal fourth highest wicket taker for the home team. 

The 18-year-old scored 134 runs in six games of the Series and also took 3 wickets. She remained not out on 62 runs against the Netherlands. Nepal, who finished winless in the Series, however, lost the match by 10 wickets.  She is Nepal’s highest run-scorer and ranks fourth on the list of highest wicket-takers.