In a strategic effort to bolster the performance of Nepal’s women’s cricket team, Manish Jha has been appointed as the consultant coach. His tenure will extend until the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers scheduled for May 2025. Jha brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously coached teams such as Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
His reputation for player development is well-established, particularly through his work with Aakash Madhwal, a former Mumbai Indians pacer who now plays for the Rajasthan Royals. Jha’s coaching approach emphasizes mental resilience, which he successfully instilled in Madhwal during the 2020-21 domestic season.
Nepal’s Women’s Cricket Journey
The Nepal women’s cricket team has been making notable progress in the T20I format, having played a total of 70 matches and achieving 41 victories. Their journey began on January 12, 2019, when they faced China in their inaugural T20I match in Bangkok.
The team quickly gained traction, winning their first four matches before experiencing their first defeat against Thailand. Earlier this year, they participated in a competitive T20I tri-series in Kirtipur alongside Thailand and the Netherlands. Despite showing promise, Nepal finished third in the tournament, suffering six consecutive losses while Thailand emerged as champions with five wins.
Standout Performers in Recent Competitions
During the tri-series, Puja Mahato showcased her batting skills, becoming the top run-scorer for Nepal with 134 runs across six matches, including a high score of 62 not out. On the bowling side, Manisha Upadhayay excelled, leading the team in wickets with seven dismissals, her best performance being 3/18.
Following this, Nepal faced a challenging Quadrangular series against Uganda, Namibia, and Hong Kong. Despite their efforts, they secured only two wins from six matches, with Uganda dominating the tournament with four victories. Mahato continued to shine, scoring 90 runs with a top score of 20*, while all-rounder Indu Barma contributed significantly with 84 runs and emerged as the team’s leading wicket-taker, claiming eight wickets.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
With Manish Jha now at the forefront, the Nepal women’s cricket team is set to refine their skills and strategies as they prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers. Jha’s extensive coaching experience and focus on player development are expected to enhance the team’s performance. As they continue to build on their recent experiences, the team aims to make a strong impression in upcoming competitions, fostering a bright future for women’s cricket in Nepal.
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