Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Netherlands secured a 20-run victory over Nepal in the first match of the Nepal Women’s T20I Tri-series at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Friday.
Invited to bat first after losing the toss, the Netherlands posted a competitive total of 157 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Despite losing opener Phebe Molkenboer for a duck and No. 3 batter Babette de Leede for just six runs, the Dutch side made a strong recovery. Robine Rijke anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 48 balls, while Iris Zwilling provided a quickfire 31 off just 13 deliveries. Sterre Kalis (29) and Heather Siegers (23) also made valuable contributions to the total.
Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, Ishwori Bist and Sita Rana Magar claimed one wicket each for Nepal.
In response, Nepal struggled to build momentum in its chase of 158 runs. Opener Samjhana Khada fell early for nine, and although the other opener Sita Rana Magar’ stayed in the crease till the 18th over, scoring 28 off 45 balls, Nepal’s scoring rate remained sluggish. Kabita Joshi (27 off 17 balls) and Puja Mahato (24 off 14 balls) provided brief sparks but failed to stay long enough to steer Nepal to victory. Rubina Chhetry contributed 11 runs, but the rest of the Nepali batters could not reach double digits, as the team fell to 137 for seven in 20 overs.
The Netherlands’ bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Caroline de Lange and Eva Lynch taking two wickets each. Iris Zwilling and Frederique Overdijk also chipped in with a wicket apiece. Zwilling gave only 11 runs in her four-over spell.
The Netherlands will next face Thailand in the second match of the series on Friday.
