Cricket Kitchen

Nepal vs Hong Kong Set for a High-Stakes Thriller in Asia Qualifier

May 10, 2025

The rivalry between Nepal and Hong Kong in women’s cricket has been thrilling in recent years. Both teams have experienced ups and downs in their encounters, making next match is even more exciting. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier begins tomorrow, May 9, in Thailand, with Nepal shared a number with Hong Kong in their opening game.

Watch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05r28lV6tlk&t=51s

This tournament represents the first step in Nepal’s journey toward qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Compared to the Global Qualifier, the Asia Qualifier is proving to be even tougher. Hong Kong, just one spot below Nepal in the ICC rankings, comes into the tournament in strong form. They defeated Nepal in the recent Uganda series.

This competition is a crucial pathway to the World Cup for the Asia region—and the only path for associate nations like Nepal. The tournament, running from May 9 to 20 in Thailand, features nine teams: host Thailand, Nepal, Hong Kong, Qatar, Bahrain, Bhutan, Kuwait, Malaysia, and the UAE. These teams are split into three groups. Each team will play others in their group twice in a double round-robin format.

Only the top team from each group will advance to the final stage, while the World Cup dreams of the remaining teams will end. Nepal’s group is arguably the “Group of Death.” Nepal is ranked 21st, and Hong Kong 22nd in the T20I rankings, while Bahrain, ranked 76th, is the weakest team on paper. With only one spot in the final round, every match—especially between Nepal and Hong Kong—will be intense.

If Nepal wins all remaining of its group matches, it will qualify for the final round. If they win wtih Bahrain only, the net run rate will decide qualification. Now Nepal is standing on top of the table with 3 points with 2 group matches are remenning in group stage.

Toss and Pitch Conditions

The Nepal vs. Hong Kong match will be played at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground. No international women’s matches have been played here since 2019, but both Nepal and Hong Kong are familiar with the venue. In 2019, Nepal defeated Kuwait by 30 runs, and Hong Kong beat Kuwait by 9 wickets at this ground. Nepal also beat Hong Kong here in 2019, thanks to a six-wicket haul from Neri Thapa, bowling Hong Kong out for 62 and chasing it with six wickets down.

Stats suggest batting first is preferable here, though Nepal has beaten Hong Kong multiple times while chasing. Choosing to field first after winning the toss wouldn’t be a surprise.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total matches: 11

• Nepal wins: 5

• Hong Kong wins: 4

• No Results: 2

• Nepal T20I ranking: 21

• Hong Kong T20I ranking: 22

Last Five Matches

1. March 10, 2025 (Uganda): Hong Kong won by 2 runs (HK: 100/7, Nepal: 98/7)

2. March 14, 2025 (Uganda): Nepal won by 6 wickets (HK: 104/8, Nepal chased in 19.3 overs)

3. Feb 10, 2024 (Malaysia): Nepal won by 8 wickets (HK: 93/8, Nepal chased in 14.1 overs)

4. Nov 16, 2023 (Hong Kong): Hong Kong won by 9 wickets

5. Aug 26, 2023 (Malaysia): Nepal won by 13 runs via DLS method (Nepal: 101/6, HK: 37/1)

Team Analysis

Hong Kong

Strengths:

• Mariko Hill – A top all-rounder with recent match-winning contributions.

• Kary Chan – An experienced bowler who has troubled Nepal in the past.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent middle order, often collapsing under pressure.

• Fielding errors – dropped catches and poor run-saving efforts.

Nepal

Strengths:

• Indu Barma – A quality all-rounder, consistent with both bat and ball.

• Puja Mahato – A dependable middle-order batter who performs under pressure.

Weaknesses:

• Fitness issues have affected Nepal’s fielding quality.

• Overdependence on Indu Barma and Puja Mahato for batting stability.

• Openers like Sanu Parvin showed promise in Uganda but lack consistency due to frequent changes.

• Middle and lower order batters, including veterans like Rubina Chhetri and big-hitter Kabita Joshi, have underperformed. Rubina averages under 7 in her last 10 matches, including four ducks. Kabita’s average is under 12, and her fielding has been notably poor.

However, Nepal’s bowling looks well-rounded and strong. The team includes both left- and right-arm pace options, and experienced spinner Sabnam Rai has made a comeback. The only missing element is a left-arm spinner, with Sita Rana Magar and Rachana Chaudhary missing out on selection.

Additional Weaknesses:

• Top-order instability – early wickets are common.

• Death overs – difficulty in containing runs at the end.

This match is a mental and points-table battleground. A win will greatly boost Nepal’s confidence and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Nepal’s Probable Playing XI:

• Indu Barma

• Samjhana Khadka

• Puja Mahato

• Rubi Poddar

• Rubina Chhetri

• Kabita Kunwar

• Rajmati Airee

• Kabita Joshi

• Ishwori Bist

• Manisha Upadhyay

• Sabnam Rai

Pitch Outlook & Strategy

In recent matches in Thailand, teams batting first have found success, especially when scoring over 130 runs. However, pitch and weather conditions may influence decisions. If the pitch is dry, it will assist spinners—possibly giving the team bowling second a tough time.

Matches between Nepal and Hong Kong are always nail-biters. Clash between both teams is expected to be no different. If Nepal addresses its weaknesses and capitalizes on its strengths, they stand a strong chance of winning and making strides toward World Cup qualification.