Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s hopes of qualifying for the Super Six stage of the 2024 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup suffered a massive blow as it conceded a one-wicket defeat against Scotland in the low-scoring thriller in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
Batting first, Nepal was all out for 73 runs in 18.5 overs. In reply, Scotland scored 74 runs, losing nine wickets with eight balls to spare.
Captain Puja Mahato top-scored for Nepal, scoring 27 off 43 balls. Opener Sabitri Dhami scored 10 off 11. Other Nepali batters failed to reach double digits.
Maisie Maceira took five wickets for Scotland, while Ammy Baldie and Nayma Sheikh secured two wickets each, and Kirsty McColl claimed one.
Scotland also stuttered in the chase, losing openers Pippa Kelly and Emma Walsingham for 0 and 1 run, respectively. However, Pippa Sproul scored 35 off 47 before the last-wicket pair of Gabriella Fontenla and Kirsty McColl won the match for Scotland, scoring unbeaten 12 and six, respectively.
Rachana Chaudhary and Seemana KC took two wickets each for Nepal, while Puja Mahato and Krishma Gurung claimed one wicket apiece.
Nepal suffered a five-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in its first match. It will now play its last group stage match against Australia on Wednesday.
