Nepal defeated Malaysia by 33 runs to get their first victory in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Asia Qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday.

Nepal rode on a record opening wicket partnership between Jyoti Pandey and Sita Rana Magar to pile on 108-6 in 20 overs and restricted Malaysia to 75-7. The victory, however, might not guarantee Nepal a place in next year’s Global Qualifiers as they lie at the fourth spot with four points from four matches and are only left with mathematical chances to round up inside the top two. Only the top two teams after the round robin league qualify for the Global Qualifiers to be held in Netherlands next year.

After their first two matches against Thailand and Hong Kong were washed out due to rain, Nepal were stunned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday. Nepal will meet China in their last league game on Sunday where even a victory will not be enough for them to go through to round up inside the top two.

Hosts Thailand lead the standings with seven points and meet Hong Kong in their last game, while the UAE are behind them with six points and meet lowly ranked Malaysia on Sunday. Hong Kong are third with five points from four matches. Nepal’s qualification is only possible if they beat China with a huge margin and expect Malaysia to beat the UAE with huge margin and Thailand overcome Hong Kong.

In the match on Friday, Pandey and Rana Magar gave a perfect start adding 66 runs for the first wicket. Rana Magar played briskly hitting three boundaries in her 42-ball 37 before losing her wicket in the 13th over. Pandey was next to go for 21 off 39. From 72-1, Nepal were reduced to 77-4 as they lost Pandey, Nary Thapa and Ritu Kanoujiya. But Kajol Shrestha held firm making 14 off 18 to take Nepal across triple figures. Jannadiah Halim and Nur Arianna Natsya picked up two wickets each for Malaysia.

Malaysia struggled throughout their chase after Nepali bowlers came up with a disciplined bowling effort. Karuna Bhandari was pick of the Nepali bowlers with figures of 3-14 from four overs. Sonu Khadka, Rana Magar, Thapa and Kanoujiya also took a wicket each.

Opener Emylia Eliani top scored for Malaysia with 24 runs from 40 balls, which included three hits to the fence. Zayani Syamimi made a run-a-ball 16 with two hits to the fence, while WA Duraisingam (11) was the only remaining batswoman to reach double figures.

In other matches on Friday, Thailand hammered China by eight wickets and the UAE beat Hong Kong with same margin to remain in pole position for the top two spots.

Summary

Nepal 108-6 in 20 overs (SR Magar 37, J Pandey 21; NA Natsya 2-15, J Halim 2-28) beat Malaysia 75-7 in 20 overs (E Eliani 24, Z Syamimi 16; K Bhandari 3-14, S Khadka 1-11) by 33 runs

Player-of-the-match: SR Magar (NEP)