Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s hopes of securing a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier were dashed as its suffered a 46-run defeat against Thailand in the semifinal of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia on Friday.
Batting first after losing the toss, Thailand scored 105 runs for the loss of two wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Chasing 106 to secure a place in the Global Qualifier, Npeal stumbled and could only manage 59 runs in 19.3 overs.
Although Nepal managed to claim an early wicket in the very first over, Nannapat Koncharoenkai went on to score a crucial half-century, forming a partnership of 68 runs for the second wicket with Natthakan Chantham. Nannapat remained unbeaten on 59 runs, while Natthakan contributed 32 runs. Chanida Suttiruang added an unbeaten 11 runs to the total.
Puja Mahato and Kabita Kunwar took a wicket each for Nepal.
Nepal made a disastrous start with the bat, losing opener Kajal Shrestha for a duck in the first over. Further blows followed, with Indu Barma and Rubina Chhetry falling in the second over, and Sita Rana Magar departing in the fifth over. Kabita Kunwar was the top scorer for Nepal with an unbeaten 17 runs from 20 balls, while Kabita Joshi and Apsari Begam chipped in with 10 runs each. Other Nepali batters failed to reach double digits.
Onnicha Kamchomphu and Thipatcha Putthawong each took three wickets for Thailand, while Nattaya Boochatham contributed with two wickets and Phannita Maya and Sunida Chaturongrattana claimed one wicket each.
Thailand will now face UAE in the final of the regional qualifier. Both the teams have secured their spots in the Global Qualifier.
