Kathmandu, Jan. 22 -- The Netherlands defeated Nepal by a narrow margin of two runs in the 9th match at the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier, in a closely contested encounter on Thursday.

Batting first after winning the toss, the Netherlands posted 140 for 5 in their 20 overs at the match played at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. The innings saw early jitters as Phebe Molkenboer was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Heather Siegers contributed 13 off 5 balls before falling to Puja Mahato.

The Dutch innings stabilised through captain Babette de Leede, who scored 49 off 47 deliveries, combining with Sterre Kalis's 30 to rebuild after early losses. Robine Rijke remained unbeaten on 19, and Iris Zwilling's quick 14 off...