Malaysia Women defeated Nepal Women by three runs in a low-scoring thriller at the Bayuemas Oval on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

Electing to bat first, Malaysia posted 104 for five in 20 overs. Opener Ainna Hamizah Hashim made 26 off 42 balls, while captain Winifred Duraisingam added 27 from 41. The innings gained late momentum from Mas Elysa, who struck 25 off 18 deliveries. Nepal’s bowlers kept the run rate in check, with Somu Bist claiming two wickets for 21 and Rubina Chhetry taking one.

Chasing 105, Nepal made a steady start through Samjhana Khadka’s 18, but the middle order collapsed against Malaysia’s disciplined bowling. Puja Mahato top-scored with 30 from 29 balls, while captain Indu Barma managed 12. Nepal were reduced to 52 for four in the 13th over and struggled to recover.

Malaysia’s teenage all-rounder Nur Dania Syuhada was the standout performer, returning figures of 3 for 10 in four overs, including the key wickets of Sita Rana Magar, Sabitri Dhami and Mahato. Duraisingam supported well with 2 for 13, while Aisya Eleesa claimed two wickets late in the innings.

Despite late efforts from Kabita Joshi, who struck an unbeaten 13 off 11, Nepal finished on 101 for seven, falling short of the target by three runs.

Syuhada was named Player of the Match for her match-winning spell. The result gives Malaysia the early advantage in the five-match series, which continues in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

Nepal will look to bounce back and level the series, having fallen agonisingly short in the opener.