Rubina Chhetri Belbase, the captain of the Nepal Women’s cricket team, led her team Barmy Army Women to a 61-run victory over the Sapphires Women in the Fair Break T20 tournament with her excellent all-round performance. Rubina took five wickets, becoming the first associate bowler to do so in the tournament, while also contributing 32 runs off 25 balls with the bat.
After winning the toss, the Barmy Army Women posted a challenging target of 168 runs for the Sapphires Women to chase. However, Rubina and her team responded with a superb bowling performance to restrict their opponents to just 107 runs in 15.5 overs. Rubina’s deadly bowling saw eight Sapphires players unable to score runs in double figures. Tasha Farrant top-scored with 32 runs, while Irun Bruns and Babeti D Leede contributed 21 and 23 runs respectively.
Rubina’s five-wicket haul was the fourth time a player has achieved this feat in a single match at the Fair Break T20 tournament, and the first time for a bowler in this year’s competition. Jeevana Ars was the pick of the Sapphires Women’s bowlers, taking four wickets for 32 runs in four overs. Sana Mir, Kerry Chan, Sibona Jimmy and Aditiba also chipped in with one wicket each.
Rubina’s contribution with the bat was also crucial in securing the Barmy Army Women’s victory. She remained unbeaten on 32 runs off 25 balls, hitting one four and two sixes. Laura Volvardt top-scored for the Barmy Army Women with 49 runs off 39 balls, while Shamen Campbell contributed 30 runs off 17 balls.
Overall, it was a fantastic team effort by the Barmy Army Women, with Rubina leading from the front with her exceptional performance. With this win, the Barmy Army Women will look to build on their momentum and continue their success in the Fair Break T20 tournament.
