Indu Barma guides Nepal into semi-finals with win over Indonesia

Captain Indu Barma's composed unbeaten 42 steered Nepal to a four-wicket triumph over Indonesia in the Asian Games Women's Qualifiers on Thursday, clinching the top spot in Group B.

This victory marks Nepal's second consecutive win, following their earlier success against China, and propels them into the semi-finals as group winners. They are set to compete against hosts Malaysia, while the other semi-final will feature Group A winners Thailand and China. The top three nations from this qualifier will earn a coveted spot in the Asian Games scheduled for October in Nagoya, Japan.

Chasing a modest target of 114, Nepal reached the required total with just three balls to spare. Barma anchored the innings, remaining not out on 42 off 43 deliveries, including five boundaries. The Nepali chase encountered early turbulence, with openers Samjhana Khadka and Puja Mahato departing for 1 and 9 runs respectively, and Rubi Podar falling for a duck.

Barma then skillfully rebuilt the innings, forging a crucial 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Soni Pakhrin, who contributed 29 runs off 36 balls, punctuated by three fours. She later added another 34 runs with Kabita Kunwar, who scored 14 off 14 balls before being dismissed. Despite Ni Ariani taking two wickets in successive deliveries, veteran Sita Rana Magar finished the match with flair, smashing three fours in her quick-fire unbeaten 13 off 6 balls, including the winning boundary.

Earlier, Indonesia had set a competitive total of 113 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs after electing to bat first. Captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini anchored their innings with a resilient unbeaten 56 off 62 balls, hitting three fours. Indonesia experienced a difficult start, losing both openers cheaply. For Nepal, Manisha Upadhyay was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for just 9 runs in her four overs, while Riya Sharma claimed one wicket for 17 runs.