by By Paul Eddison, Sportsbeat
Puja Mahato came to the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup with a huge responsibility as captain of Nepal and in full international duty.
But when your idol is Jasprit Bumrah and your ambition is known as Lady Bumrah, living up to that responsibility is part of the deal.
The 18-year-old did that and then some in Malaysia, culminating in a brilliant player-of-the-match display against the hosts in the 4th place qualifier.
Playing in Johor, Mahato put his stall out early after electing to put Malaysia, taking a wicket with the second delivery of the match.
She took a second before the end of her first spell, before returning to close out the Malaysian innings, finishing with four wickets for nine runs.
This takes her tally for the tournament to nine wickets, two more than any other player so far in 2025, while she has the seventh most points.
Rather than being intimidated by the pressure, Mahato seems to have thrived under it.
She said: “As captain I think you should have to lead from the front. Just the way I am, I want to play every time for my country and contribute something. When I was bowling, I wanted to take wickets very quickly. When I was hitting, I thought I had to defend my team.
“My bowling idol is Bumrah, I want to be Lady Bumrah, that’s why I continue like this.
“As captain, I always felt that I should stay and contribute to my country.”
Chasing 46, Nepal found themselves in a bit of trouble as they slipped to 22 for three, especially with boundaries proving elusive.
But Mahato held his nerve, taking quick singles when they were on and breaking the odd boundary to ease the tension.
A seven-title win was his reward for an undefeated 23, a fitting way to sign off for the team.
Mahato is a big reason why Nepal qualified for the tournament, having scored a sensational 130 not out and taken five for eight in a qualifying victory over Kuwait.
She will now return to senior cricket, while some of her younger teammates will remain in this squad for the upcoming edition of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2027, which will be hosted by Nepal.
Mahato added: “It was our last match, we won, it’s a special moment for us because in a few matches we tried our best, but the results were not in our favor. I want to enjoy this moment.
“This time the players have good experience. In 2027 (at home), they will do their best.
“Our favorite memory is this victory.”
