Invincible Nepal make hat-trick of title
The U-19 women’s team which had left for Kuwait ten days ago had only one mission on their mind- bringing back the ACC U-19 Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time.
On Friday, their mission was accomplished with a six wickets victory over Thailand in the final at Hubara Ground, Kuwait. Having defeated Thailand by four wickets in the last group match Nepal were well prepaid for the task.
Electing to field, Nepal’s superb bowling continued on the final day too with captain Rubina Chhetry grabbing three wickets. The fielding was equally sharp which resulted in three run-outs as Nepal bowled Thailand out for 74 runs in 32.4 overs.
Coach Nabin Singh was all praises for his girls. “I am proud of my team,” Singh said, “We had left home with a mission and we were able to accomplish it in style.” He also added that Thailand and Bhutan were the toughest opponents. “To beat Thailand twice within a week shows how good we are. Every time we were in trouble there was always a new player taking the responsibility and that is the pillar of our strength.”
Returning with the bat, the defending champions had a shaky start losing the openers for nought.
Anuradha Chaudhary, who has not been in form, was the first to return to the pavilion for a duck in the first over.
Next over brought more misery for the Himalayan nation as Dropati Kunwar was bowled by Phira and Nepal had yet to open their account. Indu Varma (6) and Kabita Gautam (3) runs too made haste to return to the seats to reduce Nepal for 19/4.
Chhetry together with Mamata Chaudhary stitched 56-runs fourth wicket partnership to guide their team home in the 21st over. Chhetry contributed 24 runs facing 45 balls which included two boundaries while Mamata chipped in 21 runs. Phira ended up with two wickets for Thailand.
Earlier, right-arm medium pacer Chhetry got Nepal the breakthrough when she knocked the stumps behind Saenya in the second over. Sirintra, who had come at one down was run-out in the fourth over and Thailand were 11/2.
Sangeeta broke the flourishing partnership between Nattakan (22) runs and Chanida. Wickets tumbled from there and it was Nepal all the way. Mamata and Sonu Khadka took a wicket each for Nepal. Chhetry ended up bagging 13 wickets in the tournament and also received the player of the tournament award for her efforts.
At Unity Ground, Bhutan downed Kuwait by eight wickets and finished second-runner-up.
Posted on: 2012-02-11 09:16
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