The Netherlands defeated Nepal by a narrow margin of two runs in the 9th match at the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, in a closely contested encounter on Thursday.

Batting first after winning the toss, the Netherlands posted 140 for 5 in their 20 overs at the match played at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. The innings saw early jitters as Phebe Molkenboer was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Heather Siegers contributed 13 off 5 balls before falling to Puja Mahato.

The Dutch innings stabilised through captain Babette de Leede, who scored 49 off 47 deliveries, combining with Sterre Kalis’s 30 to rebuild after early losses. Robine Rijke remained unbeaten on 19, and Iris Zwilling’s quick 14 off 9 balls helped the team reach a competitive total.

Rubina Chhetry picked two wickets for Nepal, while Puja Mahato, Somu Bist and Riya Sharma chipped in with a wicket.

Chasing 141, Nepal started shakily, losing Bindu Rawal to a run-out in the fourth over and Samjhana Khadka shortly after, leaving them 35 for 2. The middle order struggled as Puja Mahato, Indu Barma, and Kajal Shrestha fell cheaply, leaving Nepal 62 for 5 by the 10th over. Rubina Chhetry anchored the innings with 37 not out from 32 balls, supported by Sita Rana Magar’s quickfire 27 off 12 balls. Despite a late surge, Nepal fell agonisingly short, finishing 138 for 7.

Netherlands’ Isabel van der Woning was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 16, while Caroline de Lange and Silver Siegers chipped in with a wicket each. Extras, including 7 wides and 3 no balls, contributed to the tense finish.

Nepal earlier lost to Thailand by eight wickets in the tournament opener.