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Kigali: Nepal women's national cricket team suffered a disappointing 22-run defeat against Vanuatu in their match of the ICC Women's T20 Challenge Trophy on Friday. The match was held at the Gahanga Cricket Oval in Kigali, Rwanda.

Chasing a modest target of 98 runs for victory, Nepal's batting lineup collapsed under pressure from Vanuatu's bowlers. Nepal was bundled out for a mere 75 runs in just 15.3 overs.

Samjhana Khadka was the lone warrior for Nepal, top-scoring with 24 runs off 19 balls, including four boundaries. Captain Indu Barma managed 13 runs, and Kabita Kunwar added 10 runs. No other Nepali batswoman reached double figures. Vanuatu's Vanessa Vira and Nasimana Navaika were the wreckers-in-chief, each claiming three wickets.

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, Vanuatu posted 97 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Valenta Langiatu was the main scorer for Vanuatu, contributing a crucial 42 runs off 50 balls, punctuated with two fours and two sixes. Nasimana Navaika made 18 runs, while Selina Solman and Susan Stephen chipped in with 10 runs each.

On the bowling front for Nepal, Riya Sharma took two wickets for 11 runs in her four overs. Manisha Upadhayay, Kabita Kunwar, and Rachana Kumari Chaudhary picked up one wicket each.

This loss is a significant setback for the Nepali team in the tournament. Nepal will look to bounce back when they take on the United States in their next match on April 26.