The women's cricket team of Pakistan defeated Nepal by nine wickets to win their first game of the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup on Sunday at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

They chased down the total in 11.5 overs courtesy of Gul Feroza and Muneeba Ali’s 105-run opening stand. Feroza smashed her first T20I century, scoring a 35-ball 57 with the help of 10 fours.

Earlier, Pakistan put Nepal in check after opting to bowl first. Fatima Sana dismissed Samjhana Khadka (4) in the first over. Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar recovered well till the fifth over before Nepal lost two wickets on the 30th run. Sadia Iqbal got the better of Kunwar (13) and skipper Indu Barma (0).

The pace of Nepal's innings got slower with Rubina Chhetry departing in the 10th over while Sita, after scoring 30-ball 26s, fell in the 15th over.

Kabita remained unbeaten on 23-ball 31 with the help of three fours and a six. Mahato made a valuable 25. Sadia Iqbal finished with figures of 2/19.

Brief Scores

Nepal Women Score: 108/6 in 20.0 overs

Kabita Joshi, 31 (23), Sita Magar, 26 (30), Sadia Iqbal, 4-19-2, and Fatima Sana, 4-24-1

Pakistan Women Score: 110/1 in 11.5 overs

Gull Feroza 57 (35), Muneeba Ali 46 (34), Kabita Joshi 1.5-19-1, Rubina Chhetry 2-13-0