Kathmandu: Despite a loss to Malaysia in today's match, Nepal has successfully secured a place in the final of the ongoing Women's T20 Quadrangular Series held in Malaysia. The final, set to take place on Saturday, will see Nepal facing off against Hong Kong.

In a closely contested group stage, Nepal, Hong Kong, and Malaysia all garnered four points each. However, due to their superior run rates, Nepal and Hong Kong have emerged as the finalists. Each of these three teams clinched victory in two matches during the group stage.

In the recent match at the Bayuemas Oval Cricket stadium based in Kuala Lumpur, Nepal was put in to bat after losing the toss. The team set a target of 84 runs against Malaysia. Despite the match being curtailed to 18 overs due to rain, Malaysia managed to achieve the run target in 16.2 overs with the loss of four wickets. Malaysia's versatile player Ainna Hamizah Hashim contributed an unbeaten 36 runs, supported by Mahirah Izzati Ismail with 21 runs. On the bowling front, Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetri Belbase, and Sita Rana Magar each secured a wicket.

During Nepal's batting, skipper Rubina Chhetri Belbase scored 23 runs, while Indu Barma and Kajal Shrestha added 20 and 18 runs respectively. The remaining players did not amass significant runs.

Nepal's journey in the group stage included a victory over Hong Kong by six wickets and a win against Kuwait by 34 runs. Malaysia, on the other hand, suffered a defeat at the hands of Hong Kong by 10 wickets in their opening match but managed to beat Kuwait by eight wickets in their subsequent game.

Participating alongside hosts Malaysia, Nepal, Hong Kong, and Kuwait are partaking in the Women's T20 series. Nepal's involvement in this series serves as preparation for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers scheduled to commence from August 31 in Malaysia.