LAHORE: Pakistan Women defeated Nepal Women by 30 runs in their opening match of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 in Thailand on Friday.

Captain Hafsa Khalid top-scored with an unbeaten 40 (39b, 2×4, 1×6). She anchored the innings, putting on a valuable 43-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Waheeda Akhtar (23, 15b, 1×6) after Pakistan had slipped to 83-5. Their efforts lifted the side to 137-6 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, Anosha Nasir returned impressive figures of 3 for 20, while Momina Riasat bagged 2 for 21, restricting Nepal Women to 107-6.

On Sunday, Pakistan Women will face India Women, who suffered a stunning seven-wicket defeat at the hands of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

India batted first and were limited to 130-9. The UAE chased down the target with three wickets down and five balls to spare. UAE opener and captain Esha Oza was the star performer, scoring 72 not out off 61 balls, including eight fours and two sixes.

In other matches, Bangladesh Women beat Sri Lanka Women by four wickets, and Thailand Women dominated Malaysia Women with a 99-run victory.

Scores in brief

Pakistan Women beat Nepal Women by 30 runs

Pakistan 137-6, 20 overs (Hafsa Khalid 40 not out, Waheeda Akhtar 23, Huraina Sajjad 17)
Nepal 107-6, 20 overs (Bindu Rawal 39, Anosha Nasir 3-20, Momina Riasat 2-21)