The match took place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka, as part of the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup. The tournament, which is being held in Sri Lanka from July 19 to July 28, features eight teams divided into two groups.

Nepal Win Their First Game in Women’s Asia Cup Match

Nepal, who had previously played in the 2012 and 2016 editions of the tournament but failed to register a win, put up an impressive performance to turn the tide in their favor. The team, which almost missed the bus for the 2024 edition, was included in the tournament following a late tweak in the rules.

The match began with Nepal winning the toss and opting to bowl first. The UAE team struggled against the disciplined bowling of the Nepali bowlers, with Indu Barma leading the charge by picking up three crucial wickets. The UAE team managed to post a total of 115 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, Nepal’s opener Samjhana Khadka played a brilliant knock, scoring an unbeaten 72 runs off just 45 balls. Her innings, which included 11 boundaries, helped Nepal chase down the target of 116 runs in just 16.1 overs. The team lost four wickets in the process, but Khadka’s heroics ensured that Nepal crossed the finish line with 23 balls to spare.

A Historic Moment

The victory was a historic moment for Nepal, and the team celebrated their achievement with tears of joy and triumph. It was a moment that will be etched in the memories of the players and fans alike, as it marked a significant milestone in the journey of women’s cricket in Nepal.

The win also showcased the talent and determination of the Nepali players, who have worked hard to improve their game and compete at the international level. With this victory, Nepal has announced their arrival on the big stage and will be a team to watch out for in the upcoming matches of the tournament.

READ MORE: Suryakumar Yadav Takes the Helm: A New Era in Indian T20 Cricket

As the Women’s Asia Cup progresses, Nepal will look to build on this historic win and continue their winning streak. The team’s performance has been a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers in the country, and they will be hoping to create more history in the days to come.

Pakistan won the toss and elect to bowl first given the superficial belief of winning the toss and bowling to win the game.

1^st Innings

India batting first, the hitman Rohit and KL Rahul cleared their intent to go against the Pakistan pace attack from the first ball itself. The duo took charge in their hands and hammered the bowlers all across the park. India batted at a sublime run rate of more than 12 per over, scoring 50 0f 26 balls. It is for the first time since the T20 inception India played so well in the first six overs.

In the following over Rahul ran down the wicket, taking on Shadab, but found Nawaz at the long on. India was soon reduced to 62 for 2 with both openers back in the stands. Following the loss of 2 quick wickets, Virat Kohli and Surya Kumar Yadav tried to balance the innings but Surya gave away his wicket cheaply. India kept losing wickets from one end and Kohli held his ground firmly from the other side. After losing Pant and Hooda, Kohli had to take charge of his hands. Kohli manages to score 60 of 44 balls with 2 sixes and 8 fours, helping India reach a fighting total of 181 with the loss of 7 wickets.

India was flying well until the 6^th over began when Rohit chipped one in the air off Rauf. It was Khushdil at mid-wicket who took the catch and sent Indian Skipper back to the Pavilion.

2nd Innings

Pakistan start their innings with a boundary given a bigger required run rate from the start. Rizwan played an aggressive knock, whereas Babar went slowly from the other end. India soon got their 1^st wicket in the face of Babar who departed for 14 off 10 balls. Soon Fakhar Zaman got tricked into Chahal’s spin and gets caught at the boundary ropes by Virat Kohli. India kept Pakistan hitting around the bush, and did not let them surpass the required run rate.

After losing 2 quick wickets Pakistan also needed to balance their innings. Incomes Nawaz, Rizwan, and Nawaz cumulatively added runs from both ends. Rizwan went to bring up his half-century. Whereas Nawaz played the most important cameo in the Pakistan Innings. Nawaz added 42 off 20 balls with 2 sixes and 6 fours, scoring 36 of 42 runs in boundaries.

The games swung like a pendulum until Bishnoi sent off Nawaz breaking the partnership and denting Pakistan’s hopes of clinching a win over arch-rivals India. Soon Rizwan slogged a ball wide of the off stump in the Bhuvneshwar’s over his wicket shifting the momentum in India’s favor. Things look good for men in blue until Arsh dropped a dolly from Asif in the 18^th over. It was at this moment fans knew that India has messed up the opportunity. Following this incident, Asif went on to score a crucial knock of 16 0ff 10 balls. Two 4’s and a 6’s added salt to injury to Indian wounds at it brought down the equation to 7 required of the last 6 balls.

The thing even turned ugly when the team was penalized for slow over-rate. As a result, 0ne extra fielder has to stay inside the 30-yard circle. As it is said, consequences were bound to occur. Asif Ali smashed Arshdeep straight down the wicket for four runs. While Pakistan looed to stretch for the home run, Arshdeep dented the party with a slow Yorker. As a result, the umpire declared Asif Ali LBW. But the train had already left the station in the pin ultimate ball of the match Iftikhar scored a couple to see Pakistan home and beat India by five wickets. With this win, Pakistan registered their 1st win and increase their chances of qualifying for the finals.

Next, India will play Sri Lanka on the 6th of September at the Dubai International Stadium. While Sri Lanka would look to book a place in the final, India is on a must-win road to survive in the competition to reach the finals.

Bangladesh veteran and Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim announces his retirement from T20 Internationals last sunday. The wicketkeeper batsmen hung his boots against the backdrop of his team’s exit from the Asia cup. He said he’ll be available for the ODI’s, test, and franchise cricket.

Mushfiqur Rahim took to his official Facebook page to share the news with his fans and the world. The post read
 “Today, I am announcing my retirement from T20 Internationals. He said I will proudly continue to represent Bangladesh in Test and ODI formats. I am hopeful that I can bring success to our nation in these two formats. I will continue to take part in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and other franchise tournaments,”

Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2022

Bangladesh did not manage to register a single win in the Asia cup group stages and is shown the exit door. Just retired Rahim’s contribution was next to nothing as he scored 4 and 1 in both the game. He fluffed a catch of the Sri Lankan batsmen Kushal Mendis which resulted in a major setback for the Bengal Tigers.

Many bet that Bangladesh was the favorite to escalate to Super 4 in the tournament, but the side lost to inexperienced Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

Mushfiqur has been out of form for a long time. His lean patch dates back to the year 2019, November. Considering the lean patch, Rahim scored mere 144 runs in 8 innings with a strike rate of 113.38 in T20 WorldCup 2021.

Ever since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh cricket board has been eyeing a replacement. The wicketkeeper-batsman was rested for the home series against Pakistan. Following this, Mushfiqur took jibes at the board’s decision which is speculated as a reason for his exit from the Zimbabwe tour.

Mushfiqur who started of his career back in the year 2006, played 102 games scoring 1500 runs with an average of 19.23. However, he has hunted 72 wickets which include 42 catches and 30 stumpings. In total, the batsman has a total tally of 6 fifties to his record.

We wish the veteran a Happy Retirement, and success for the remainder of his career. Which is your favorite moment of the ever-enigmatic wicketkeeper batsmen Mushfiqur Rahim.

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Also read: Pakistan beat India in a close encounter Super 4 match.

Asia Cup Scenario

Currently in the Asia Cup round of Super 4’s Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan. Whereas Pakistan beat India in a nail-biting close encounter. Sri Lanka is at the top of the league table with Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan respectively. Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan have 2 points each. Whereas India and Afghanistan are yet to register a win in the Super 4.

Next, India will play Sri Lanka on the 6^th of September at the Dubai International Stadium. While Sri Lanka would look to book a place in the final, India is on a must-win road to survive in the competition to reach the finals.