Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal has qualified for the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating the UAE by eight wickets in the final match of the Asian qualifier in Ajman, UAE, on Wednesday.
Batting first, the UAE managed only 83 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Nepal needed 84 runs in 16.2 overs to win the Asia qualifier and qualify for the World Cup. Nepal achieved the target in 14.4 overs. Opener Sana Prabin scored a not-out 35 from 22 balls for Nepal, while CaptainPuja Mahato contributed with a run-a-ball 18.
Earlier, Krishma Gurung took four wickets, conceding just 17 runs in her four-over spell to bowl out the UAE cheaply and help Nepal book its spot in the maiden T20 World Cup. Riya Sharma and Simana KC took two wickets each. Captain Puja Mahato bowled a tidy spell of 11 runs from four overs.
In the first match against the UAE, Nepal suffered a 13-run defeat to the hosts.
Along with Nepal and the UAE, Thailand and Kuwait also competed in the Asian qualifier.
Malaysia is hosting the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup from January 18 to February 2 2025.
The 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup will feature 16 teams. Hosts Malaysia have qualified automatically for the event, along with the top 10 teams from the previous edition. Similarly, Nigeria, the US, Samoa, and Scotland qualified for the World Cup by winning their respective qualifiers.
Nepal will be in Group D, which also includes Australia, Bangladesh, and Scotland. Nepal will play against Bangladesh on January 18, against Scotland on January 20, and against Australia on January 22.
