Scotland edge Nepal in thriller as England and South Africa secure comfortable wins
South Africa and England secured comfortable wins against Samoa and Pakistan on day three of the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, while Scotland came out on top in a nail-biting encounter with Nepal.
The second half of day three featured intriguing encounters and blockbuster clashes.
Scotland had a thrilling clash with Nepal, struggling to chase a modest target of 73 but ultimately scraping through thanks to their final-wicket pair. South Africa dominated Samoa with ease, dismissing them for a mere 16 runs before chasing down the target in under two overs. And England secured a comfortable win against Pakistan, bowling them out for 66 and successfully chasing the target inside 10 overs to claim their two points.
Here’s a comprehensive recap of the day’s events.
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SCOTLAND v NEPAL, MATCH CENTRE
Scotland beat Nepal by 1 wicket
After opting to bat first, Nepal struggled against the relentless Scottish bowling attack. Maisie Maceira delivered a stunning performance, claiming a five-wicket haul, while Amelie Baldie and Nayma Sheikh chipped in with two wickets each. Nepal skipper Puja Mahato was the top scorer for her side, managing 27 runs off 43 deliveries, as Nepal were bowled out for just 73 runs in 18.5 overs.
Scotland were put under pressure by Nepal despite the low total. Puja Mahato grabbed an early wicket and Nepal followed it with inflicting three runouts. This put Soctland in the precarious position of 37/6 in the 14th over. Pippa Sproul held on to score a crucial 35 off 47 balls as Scotland won by the skin of their teeth by 1 wicket.
ENGLAND v PAKISTAN, MATCH CENTRE
England beat Pakistan by 6 wickets
England won the toss in Johor and chose to bowl, immediately putting Pakistan under pressure. Amruthaa Surenkumar struck early, claiming three quick wickets, leaving Pakistan unable to recover. Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Olivia Brinsden, and Eve O'Neill each took two wickets, helping bowl out Pakistan for just 66 runs in 18.5 overs.
England comfortably chased down the target in 9.2 overs, despite efforts from Pakistan bowlers Mahnoor Zeb and Fatima Khan to apply pressure. However, the modest target proved too small to defend. Katie Jones was named Player of the Match for her top score of 20 off 16 balls and her brilliant glovework behind the stumps.
SOUTH AFRICA v SAMOA, MATCH CENTRE
South Africa beat Samoa by 10 wickets
After a delayed start to the match, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl, delivering a sensational performance. They dismantled Samoa's batting lineup, bowling them out for just 16 runs in 9.1 overs. Nthabiseng Nini starred with the ball, claiming three wickets while conceding only 4 runs. Fay Cowling, Seshnie Naidu, and Kayla Reyneke each contributed with two wickets in a commanding display of bowling.
South Africa cruised to an effortless victory in the chase, scoring 17 runs in just 1.4 overs to secure the win and claim two points, moving to the top of Group C. Nthabiseng Nini, for her impressive three-wicket haul, was named Player of the Match.
ICC WOMEN'S U19 STANDINGS
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