Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Thailand registered its fourth straight win in the Nepal Women’s T20 Tri-series, losing to hosts Nepal by five runs at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
This was Nepal’s fourth straight loss in the tri-series which also includes the Netherlands.
Fielding first, Nepal restricted Thailand to 106/6 in the allotted 20 overs. Chasing 107 to register its first victory in the series, Nepal could only manage 101 for the loss of eight wickets.
Thai openers Nattaya Boochatham and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi scored 10 and 17 runs, respectively, while Nannapat Koncharoenkai contributed 19 runs. Although Nepal sent Natthakan Chantham and Naruemol Chaiwai out for ducks, and Phannita Maya fell for 1, leaving Thailand reeling at 56/6 in 12.5 overs, Thipatcha Putthawong and Chanida Sutthiruang scored unbeaten 25 and 27, respectively, to take Thailand’s total beyond 100 runs.
Manisha Upadhayay claimed three wickets for Nepal, while Puja Mahato and Rachana Chaudhary took one wicket each.
Nepal made a disastrous start in the chase, losing four wickets with just eight runs on the board. Openers Samjhana Khadka and Mata Chaudhary fell for 5 and 0, respectively, while Captain Indu Barma and Bindu Rawal scored 3 and 0. Puja Mahato and Rubina Chhetry built Nepal’s innings with 18 and 26 runs, respectively. Nepal’s hope of chasing the target faltered when Kabita Joshi fell on the last ball of the 19th over, scoring 24 off 20 balls. Roma Thapa and Rachana Chaudhary remained not out at 19 and 2, respectively.
Thipatcha Putthawong was declared Player of the Match for scoring 25 off 31 balls and claiming four wickets giving just 10 runs.
Nepal will play against the Netherlands in the tri-series on Wednesday.
