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.

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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.

Reason For US Visa Denial Of Nepal Cricket Star

Sandeep Lamichhane, a key player for the Nepal cricket team, was crucial in their qualification for the T20 World Cup. The leg-spinner was acquitted of rape charges after the Patan High Court overturned a previous verdict that had sentenced him to eight years in jail. Following the court’s decision, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) lifted Lamichhane’s suspension, paving the way for his participation in the global tournament.

The US Embassy in Nepal, however, rejected Lamichhane’s visa application. It is assumed the reason for the denial of a US Visa could be the history related to the Rape Charges on the Star. This decision was met with shock and disappointment by Lamichhane himself, as well as by cricket fans in Nepal. The leg-spinner expressed his regret on social media, lamenting the missed opportunity to represent his country in the T20 World Cup

Nepal Cricket Fans Stage A Protest Outside the US Embassy in Kathmandu

The visa denial sparked widespread protests in Nepal. Youth in the capital city, Kathmandu, took to the streets to demand a visa for Lamichhane, urging authorities to allow his participation in the tournament. Demonstrators gathered outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar and planned further protests outside the US Embassy to exert pressure on authorities for the issuance of Lamichhane’s visa.

Despite the visa denial and the ensuing protests, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has not given up hope on including Lamichhane in their T20 World Cup squad. The CAN president, Chatur Bahadur Chand, revealed efforts to lobby the embassy through the Nepal government in hopes of securing Lamichhane’s participation. However, with the T20 World Cup set to commence next Saturday, co-hosted by the United States and West Indies, the absence of Lamichhane poses a significant challenge for Nepal’s team.

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As the T20 World Cup approaches, the visa denial to Sandeep Lamichhane continues to be a contentious issue. The protests and efforts to resolve the issue highlight the importance of Lamichhane to Nepal’s cricket team and the disappointment and frustration felt by his fans. With the final squad announcement deadline looming, it remains to be seen whether Nepal will be able to accommodate Lamichhane in the 15-member squad.