T20I challenge Trophy: US defeats Nepal by 44 runs

Nepal, Kathmandu, April 18: Nepal lost to USA by 44 runs in the match held between the two sides under the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026.

In the match held at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, Nepal was able to score only 79 runs in the stipulated 20 overs, against the total of 126 runs made by the USA.

Nepal lost 9 wickets in the failed attempt to reach the victory target of 127 runs set by USA.

Only Bindu Rawal (27 in 45 balls) and Kabita Joshi (11 in 20 balls) were able to reach double figures among the Nepali batswomen.

For the US, Lekha Shetty and Taranum Chopra took 2 wickets each while Ritu Priya Singh, Maahi Madhavan, Aditiba Chudasama and Sainavi Kambalapalli took one wicket each. Earlier, put into bat first by Nepal, the USA scored 123 runs at the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs.

Pooja Ganesh (47), Gargi Bhogle (34) and Chetna Pagydayla (30) were the top-scorers of the USA. Nepali bowlers Manisha Upadhyaya took 2 wickets while Kabita Kunwar and Riya Sharma took 1 wicket each.

This is the inaugural edition of the Challenge Trophy organised by the International Cricket Council and also includes hosts Rwanda, Italy and Vanuatu. The tournament that began today will run until May 1. Nepal’s next match is against Italy on April 19. —

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