Nepal national women’s cricket team secured third place in the ongoing Hong Kong Women’s T20I Quadrangular Series after defeating Japan by 45 runs at the Hong Kong Cricket Club in Wong Nai on Sunday.

Nepal, opting to bat first after winning the toss, made 115 runs at the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. In response, Japan were restricted to 70-6. The victory left Nepal with four points and in third position in the four-nation tournament.

Opener Puja Mahato smashed three hits to the fences as she posted the highest score (43) of the match. Mahato faced 51 deliveries before being caught by Erika Toguchi-Quinn off Ahilya Chandel in 18.5 overs.

Mahato’s opening partner Sita Rana Magar, however, failed to make an impact, being caught leg before in 1.1 overs for a 6-ball 5.

Nepal Captain Indu Barma contributed 12 runs off 21 balls, while Rubina Chhetry put 21 runs on the scoreboard.

Similarly, Roma Thapa fired three hits to the fence, scoring 22 runs in her 19-knock play.

In the run chase, Japan’s Akari Kano and Hinase Goto put on a 37-run first wicket stand, before Sangita Rai dismissed the latter in 10.5 overs.

Japan Captain Mai Yanagida was dismissed immediately for a duck by Indu Barma.

Likewise, Ahilya Chandel scored 11 runs off 14 balls. She was run out in 16.3 overs.

Opener and wicketkeeper Akari made 29 runs off 51 deliveries, helping Japan score 70 runs.

Nepal had crashed out of the race to the tournament finals after they lost to hosts Hong Kong by nine wickets in Wong Nai on Thursday.

A second loss in as many games in the series put Nepal third in the four-team table without a point. Nepal had lost to Tanzania by 27 runs on Wednesday.