Kathmandu : Nepal has made a flying start in the Women’s Asia Cup that began in Sri Lanka from today.

Nepal registered a six-wicket win against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first match with 23 balls to spare.

Chasing the 116-run target set by UAE, Nepal reached it in 16.1 overs losing four wickets.

Samjhana Khadka topped the score with 72 runs including 11 fours off 45 balls followed by Rubina Chhetry with 10 runs.

On the bowling side, Kavisha Egodage and Lavanya Keny took three wickets and one wicket, respectively.

Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, UAE notched up 115 runs losing eight wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Khushi Sharma took the highest 36 runs followed by Kavisha Egodage and Samaira Dharnidharka with 22 and 13 runs, respectively. Similarly, Captain Esha Oza contributed 10 runs. The other batters could not achieve double-digit runs.

Indu Barma took three wickets while Sabnam Rai and Kritika Marasini grabbed one wicket each for Nepal. 

Nepal’s Samjhana Khadka is declared the Player of the Match. With the win, Nepal has notched up two points. Nepal will now play Indian and Pakistan.