Nepal put up a competitive 146-run target against the Netherlands in the Nepal Women’s T20I Tri-Series match at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Nepal had a shaky start as openers struggled against the Dutch bowling attack. Samjhana Khadka was the first to depart, managing six runs before edging one to wicketkeeper Babette de Leede off Iris Zwilling in the first over. Mamta Chaudhary followed soon after, dismissed for a single run off five balls, also caught behind off Zwilling, leaving Nepal reeling at 7-2 in 2.4 overs.

Captain Indu Barma and Puja Mahato then steadied the innings with a crucial 78-run stand for the third wicket. Barma played a controlled knock, scoring 39 off 37 balls with five boundaries before being stumped off Caroline de Lange’s bowling in the 13th over. By then, Nepal had recovered to 85-3.

Mahato, anchoring the innings, continued to build the total alongside Rubina Chhetry. The duo put on 40 runs for the fourth wicket, with Chhetry adding a quick 20 off 17 balls before falling to Heather Siegers in the 18th over.

Mahato remained unbeaten, scoring 62 off 51 balls, hitting five boundaries. She played a responsible innings, accelerating at the right moments to push Nepal past the 140-run mark. Kabita Joshi provided a late boost with a quick seven off six balls, including a six.

For the Netherlands, Zwilling was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-25 in her four overs. Caroline de Lange (1-31) and Silver Siegers (1-14) chipped in with a wicket each.

Nepal has so far remained winless in the triangular series.