Pakistan defeated Nepal by nine wickets here on Sunday thanks to Gull Feroza’s aggressive fifty, keeping them in the running for a spot in the women’s Asia Cup semifinals.
With the kind assistance of her partner Muneeba Ali (46 not out, 34b, 8×4), Feroza (57, 35b, 10×4) helped Pakistan surpass the mark of 109 in just 11.5 overs. They took the first wicket at 105 runs.
With this victory, the team captained by Nida Dar has now gained two points from as many Group A games, and their net run rate has increased to +0.40.
Pakistan, who lost to India in their opening game, will need to overcome UAE in their final group game in order to get to the semifinals, as Nepal also has two points.
However, Pakistan must give credit to Feroza and her assertive intentions for this somewhat comfortable situation.
Right-hander Kritika Marasini, a left-arm spinner, was cut off sharply by the right-hand hitter, who was on a tear from the start and achieved her fifty in just thirty balls.
Muneeba, on the other hand, got off to a hesitant start but showed her range in the sixth over when she hit left-arm spinner Sita Rana Magar for three fours.
Nepali bowlers had nowhere to run to once the right-hand-left-hand combo in pole position started going.
Prior to this, Sadia Iqbal, a seasoned left-arm spinner who used the new ball to capture two wickets for 19 runs, was leading their well-oiled Pakistani opponents.
Only 108 for six could be mustered for Nepal.
Near the close of Nepal’s innings, which was also plagued by three run outs, Kabita Joshi made a 31 (23b, 4×4, 1×6) to support the team.
Short scores: Nepal lost against Pakistan by 9 wickets, finishing at 110/1 in 11.5 overs (Gull Feroza 57, Muneeba Ali 46 not out) after leading 108/6 in 20 overs (Kabita Joshi 31 not out, Sita Rana Magar 26; Sadia Iqbal 2/19).
