Nepal faced an 83-run defeat against Australia in their final group-stage match of the ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup Cricket, held at the YSD-UKM Oval Cricket Ground, Malaysia.

Chasing a target of 140 runs set by Australia, Nepal managed only 56 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Puja Mahato was Nepal’s top scorer with 18 runs, while the other batters failed to reach double figures. For Australia, Juliet Morton, Lily Basingthwaite, and Hasrat Gill each took two wickets.

Earlier, Australia, batting first after winning the toss, scored 139 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Key contributions came from Kymhie Braye (45 runs off 34 balls, including three fours and three sixes) and Ellinor Larosa (31 runs off 39 balls with three fours). Hasrat Gill added 30 runs, Chloe Catherine remained unbeaten on 16, and Ines Akheon scored eight runs.

In bowling, Nepal’s captain Puja Mahato claimed three wickets, while Seemana KC and Riya Sharma took two and one wicket, respectively.

This loss marks Nepal’s third consecutive defeat in the tournament, having previously lost to Bangladesh by five wickets and Scotland by one wicket.

Meanwhile, Australia remained unbeaten in the group stage and secured a place in the Super Six. Earlier, they had defeated Scotland by nine wickets and Bangladesh by two wickets.