Nepal U19 Women Qualify For The 2025 ICC U19 T20 World Cup

Location: Dubai, UAE
Tournament: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier

In an exhilarating display of skill, resilience, and teamwork, Nepal’s U19 women’s cricket team has qualified for the 2025 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup! This historic achievement marks the first time Nepal’s young women cricketers will compete on the global T20 stage, a moment of pride for Nepali cricket fans worldwide.

Nepal’s Lineup:

• Captain: Puja Mahato
• Vice-Captain: Sony Pakhrin
• Wicketkeeper: Alisha Kumari Yadav
• Players: Sana Praveen, Sabitri Dhami, Jyotsnika Marasini, Trisana Bishwokarma, Seemana KC, Krishma Gurung, Rachanna Kumari Chaudhary, Riya Sharma

The Thrilling Showdown in Dubai

Facing off against UAE in Dubai, Nepal went into the game with immense pressure, knowing they needed to chase down any target set by UAE within 17 overs to qualify. After UAE won the toss and opted to bat first, Nepal’s bowlers took to the field with a single goal: restrict UAE to a modest total.

Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack paid off, and they held UAE to just 83 runs at the end of 20 overs, with nine wickets down. Krishma Gurung was the star of the innings, delivering a fierce spell that yielded four wickets for only 17 runs. She was well-supported by Riya Sharma, who took two wickets for just 12 runs. Despite a valiant effort from UAE’s Samaira Dharnidharka, who scored 31 runs, and Rinitha Rajith, who contributed 20 runs, Nepal’s bowlers kept a tight grip on the run rate, setting up a very achievable chase.

Nepal’s Chase: A Tense Path to Victory

With a target of 84 runs, Nepal started their innings knowing the stakes were high. To secure their World Cup spot, they needed to reach the target within a specific timeframe:

• 84 runs in 16.2 overs
• 85 runs in 16.4 overs
• 86 runs in 16.5 overs
• 87 runs in 17 overs

Nepal’s openers took to the crease with confidence, building a steady foundation. By the end of the powerplay (6 overs), Nepal had already amassed 37 runs with just one wicket down. The Nepalese fans in the stands and watching from home could sense victory approaching, but there was still work to be done.

With their eyes on the World Cup prize, Nepal continued their chase aggressively yet cautiously. In the next two overs, Sony Pakhrin and Sana Praveen contributed 14 runs, bringing the score to 51 with only two wickets down by the end of the 8th over. The equation then stood at 33 runs required from 50 balls—a highly achievable target but one that still demanded focus.

Nepal’s Stats

The Historic Win

After a few more tense overs, Nepal finally reached their target with grit and determination. They crossed the 84-run mark, finishing with 85 runs and clinching a spot in the 2025 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. Cheers erupted from the Nepali contingent, both in the stadium and across the world, as Nepal’s young women cricketers had made history.

Reactions and Celebration

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) shared their excitement and congratulated the team with a powerful message:

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽! 🏆
Congratulations to our young and talented U19 team for making it to the first-ever ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025! A historic moment for Nepal Cricket 👏
#HERStory | #NepalCricket | #RoadToWorldCup

Prime Minister’s Response:

The Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal has congratulated the Nepali U19 Women’s Cricket Team on their historic qualification for the 2025 ICC T20 World Cup! 🇳🇵🏏 A proud moment for our nation!

Translation:
Congratulations, Nepal !!
For the first time, Nepal has qualified for the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Nepal’s women’s cricket team will compete in the World Cup for the very first time.
Congratulations, Team Nepal !!!

This milestone is more than a victory on the field—it’s a testament to the growth and potential of women’s cricket in Nepal. As they head to the World Cup, Nepal’s U19 women’s team carries the hopes and dreams of countless young girls back home, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Closing Thoughts

The journey to the T20 World Cup has just begun, and Nepal’s young athletes are ready to shine on the international stage. Their incredible victory over UAE has not only secured their World Cup spot but has ignited a new era for Nepali women’s cricket. We can’t wait to see them make their mark at the 2025 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup!