Summary: Nepal secured a 50-run victory over Italy in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy in Rwanda, propelled by Rubina Kshetri’s four wickets. Winning the toss, Nepal batted first and scored 112 runs for eight wickets, with vice-captain Puja Mahto remaining unbeaten on 48. Italy was bowled out for 62 runs in 18.4 overs, with Rubina conceding just four runs in 2.4 overs and taking four wickets, earning her the Player of the Match title. Kathmandu, 20 April.
Rubina Kshetri’s four-wicket haul was instrumental as Nepal triumphed over Italy by 50 runs in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy held in Rwanda on Sunday. This marks Nepal’s first win in the tournament, after a previous loss against the United States on Saturday. At the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Nepal elected to bat first following the toss and posted 112 runs for eight wickets. Vice-captain Puja Mahto starred with an unbeaten 48 runs, supported by Samjhana Khadka’s 16, Bindu Rawal’s 15, and captain Indu Burma’s 10 runs. Other batters were unable to reach double figures.
For Italy, Emilia Bartram took three wickets, while Kumudu Pedric, Alexia Contopirakis, Elena Sims, Pasandi Kanakege, and Thilini Fernando claimed one wicket each. Chasing 113, Italy was all out for 62 runs in 18.4 overs. Chathurika Mahamalage top-scored for Italy with 22 runs. Nepal’s Rubina Kshetri dismantled the Italian batting line-up, conceding only four runs in her 2.4 overs while taking four crucial wickets. Her outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Additionally, Kavita Kunwar captured two wickets, while Manisha Upadhyay, Riya Sharma, and Rachana Chaudhary took one wicket each.
