Nepal Women delivered a dominant performance in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Kigali, securing an emphatic 83-run victory over Vanuatu Women. A composed batting display followed by a clinical bowling effort saw Nepal take full control, with Kabita Kunwar’s remarkable spell of 6 for 5 standing out as the defining contribution of the match.
Khadka Anchors, Barma Finishes Strongly
Nepal’s innings began on a steady note as Samjhana Khadka and Puja Mahato added 44 runs for the opening wicket. Mahato contributed 19 from 20 balls, including a six, before being dismissed lbw by Nasimana Navaika in the 6.5th over.
Khadka continued to anchor the innings, finding boundaries regularly and rotating the strike effectively. She built a partnership with Bindu Rawal, who scored 7 from 24 balls before retiring hurt at 73. Khadka reached a well-crafted half-century, making 52 off 51 balls with nine boundaries before departing at 81 in the 15.5th over.
The momentum shifted sharply in the closing stages when Indu Barma produced a rapid unbeaten 43 off just 18 balls, striking seven boundaries at a strike rate of 238.88. Rubi Poddar managed 1 from 2 balls before falling at 104, while Kunwar added 6 not out from 5 deliveries. Nepal finished strongly at 132 for 3 in their 20 overs.
For Vanuatu, Vanessa Vira (0 for 21) and Susan Stephen (0 for 13) were economical, while Navaika (1 for 21), Natalia Kakor, and Rachel Andrew (1 for 42) picked up a wicket each.
Kunwar’s Spell Dismantles Vanuatu
Chasing 133, Vanuatu Women struggled to build momentum and lost wickets at regular intervals. Valenta Langiatu top-scored with 14 off 19 balls, but the rest of the batting unit failed to establish partnerships.
Kabita Kunwar turned the match decisively with a devastating spell, removing key batters and triggering a collapse. Susan Stephen was dismissed for a duck, while Rachel Andrew managed 8 from 25 balls before falling to Puja Mahato. Nasimana Navaika added 11, but Vanuatu continued to lose wickets.
Kunwar’s spell accounted for several lower-order batters, including Gillian Chilia (2), Vanessa Vira (2), Alvina Chilia (0), Anna Griffin (0), Melissa Fare (1), and Rayline Ova (0), as the innings unraveled quickly. Natalia Kakor remained unbeaten on 3 as Vanuatu were bowled out for 49 in 16.4 overs.
Complete Team Performance
Kunwar’s figures of 6 for 5 in 3.4 overs were supported by Puja Mahato, who returned 2 for 10 in four overs, and Rachana Chaudhary, who picked up 2 for 12 in three overs. Manisha Upadhayay and Riya Sharma also maintained pressure with economical spells.
Nepal’s all-round display highlighted their control across all departments. Khadka’s fifty laid the platform, Barma’s late acceleration added crucial runs, and Kunwar’s outstanding bowling sealed a comprehensive win.
The victory significantly boosted Nepal’s campaign and net run rate in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026, while Vanuatu were left to regroup after a difficult outing.
