Cricket
Koncharoenkai’s unbeaten fifty steers Thailand to victory over Nepal
Nannapat Koncharoenkai scores her second unbeaten half-century of the series to guide Thailand to a successful chase of a 102-run target in 19 overs.
Sports Bureau
Nannapat Koncharoenkai struck an unbeaten half-century as Thailand defeated Nepal by four wickets in the Nepal Women’s T20I Triangular Series at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday.
Chasing a modest 102-run target, Koncharoenkai anchored the Thai innings with a composed 60 not out off 58 deliveries, ensuring victory despite a lacklustre performance from other batters.
Thailand lost wickets at regular intervals with openers Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (1) departing after a run-out and Nattaya Boochatham (1) falling to Kabita Kunwar cheaply.
Manisha Upadhyaya, who made her T20I debut for the national team on Thursday, then struck twice to dismiss captain Naruemol Chaiwai for 13 and Phannita Maya for one.
Further trouble ensued when Chanida Sutthiruang (7) and Suwanan Khiaoto (14) also failed to make any significant contributions, with Rubina Chhetry and Kabita Joshi claiming their wickets.
But Koncharoenkai held firm against the Nepali bowling attack until the end, guiding Thailand to 102-6 in 20 overs.
It was Koncharoenkai’s second half-century of the series, following an unbeaten 56 that powered Thailand to an eight-wicket win over the Netherlands on Friday.
Earlier, opting to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal struggled against Thailand’s disciplined bowling unit, managing only 101-9 from their allotted 20 overs.
Nepal’s innings crumbled early on and they found themselves tottering at 40-5 by the ninth over.
Openers Samjhana Khadka (1) and Mamta Chaudhary (2) departed cheaply, while captain Indu Barma (15 off 17) provided brief resistance before falling to Thipatcha Putthawon (3-17) in the sixth over.
Puja Mahato (6) and Chhetry (4) also failed to build momentum.
However, a crucial 44-run stand from Kunwar and Bindu Rawal offered some respite before Rawal (25 off 25) fell to Putthawong in the 16.5 overs. Phannita Maya (2-20) then ended Kunwar’s stay in the 18th. Kunwar scored 25 runs off 32 balls.
Putthwaon continued her impressive spell, dismissing Kabita Joshi (8), while Boochatham (2-18) accounted for Sita Rana Magar—who was dropped to lower order following a sluggish display in Nepal’s opening defeat to the Netherlands.
Nepal next play the Netherlands on Sunday.
The three teams of the tri-series play against each other three times. The top team at the end of the round-robin league will clinch the series.