Nepal Women defeated Malaysia Women by six wickets in the second Twenty20 International at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday to level the five-match series 1-1.

Chasing 92 for victory, Nepal recovered from a shaky start to reach 93 for 4 in 16.2 overs. Opener Samjhana Khadka and allrounder Kabita Kunwar departed without scoring in the opening two deliveries, leaving the visitors reeling at 0-2.

Rubi Poddar steadied the innings with 15 runs off 25 balls before falling in the ninth over. The rescue act, however, came from Player of the Match Puja Mahato, who anchored the chase with a composed 39 off 39 balls, striking four boundaries. Captain Indu Barma then guided Nepal home with an unbeaten 27 off 21 deliveries, supported by Rubina Chhetry, who remained not out on eight.

For Malaysia, Ainna Hamizah Hashim was the most effective bowler, taking 2-22 in her 3.2 overs, while Nur Dania Syuhada and Nur Alya Batrisyia claimed a wicket each.

Earlier, Malaysia opted to bat first after losing the toss but managed only 91 for 4 from their 20 overs. Opener Ainna Hamizah Hashim top-scored with a patient unbeaten 50 from 63 balls, hitting five fours. Skipper Winifred Duraisingam added 15, but the hosts struggled to accelerate against Nepal’s disciplined bowling.

Somu Bist was the pick of the Nepal bowlers with 2-18, while Kabita Kunwar took 1-5 in her two overs.

The five-match series is now evenly poised at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.