- Soni Pakhrin will captain Nepal’s squad in the ACC Women’s Under-19 Premier Cup held in Malaysia from January 12 to 25.
- Nepal competes in Group D against Hong Kong, Qatar, and Singapore, targeting a spot in the ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup.
- Head coach Mahesh Prasad Rijal leads the talented team, featuring standout domestic players like top wicket-taker Karisma Gurung.
- The tournament provides young Nepali cricketers essential international experience and a platform to achieve historic milestones for their nation.
Kathmandu, Nepal: When young Soni Pakhrin steps out to toss the coin in Malaysia this July, she won't just be representing a team—she’ll be carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see its young women shine on the international cricket stage.
The Cricket Association of Nepal has named the teenager as captain for the upcoming ACC Women’s Under-19 Premier Cup, running from January 12 to 25. For Pakhrin and her squad, the 14-day tournament is much more than a routine series of matches; it is their shot at earning a place in the prestigious ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup and proving what the next generation of Nepali cricket is made of.
Nepal finds itself in Group D, locked in a tight race against Hong Kong, Qatar, and Singapore. The task ahead is clear and unforgiving: only the top two teams from the group will make it through to the quarterfinals. Head coach Mahesh Prasad Rijal knows that momentum is everything in a short tournament, making Nepal’s opening clash against Qatar a crucial test. Quick turnarounds against Singapore and Hong Kong will follow, leaving zero room for a slow start.
Fortunately, the squad arrives in Malaysia with real grit and wind in its sails. Pakhrin herself has grown into a dependable anchor, blending composed batting with a sharp tactical mind. Beside her, fast-rising bowler Karisma Gurung comes off a brilliant domestic run, having finished as the top wicket-taker in the recent NECOS Cup.
For these young athletes, playing in Malaysia is about taking their careers to the next level. Beyond the tournament trophy and Asia Cup qualification, it is an invaluable chance to gain international experience under pressure. If Pakhrin’s side can hit its stride early against Qatar, it could easily turn this campaign into a historic milestone for women's cricket in Nepal.
