Competing in their first Women’s World Cup at any level in the sport, Nepal’s next generation plot their future, taking on every lesson.
For Nepal's Puja Mahato, the best way to learn is to do.
Already boasting 20 senior international appearances for her country, Mahato channeled her experience to great effect in U19 World Cup qualifying, leading her team to claim the last spot thanks to a stunning final-day win over UAE, leapfrogging their opponents on Net Run Rate.
A win over Pakistan followed at the U19 Asia Cup, and while a victory in the tournament group stage has not followed, Mahato is the first to appreciate how important the experience can be for her team and country, as Nepal continue to build their reputation in the international game.
"I think we learn a lot from the opposition," Mahato said after a defeat to giants Australia on matchday three.
"We learn a lot because they didn't give up at any cost. We will come back stronger, definitely."
Captain leading from the front 💪🏽
— Women’s CricZone (@WomensCricZone) January 24, 2025
Nepal skipper Puja Mahato walked away with the POTM for her stellar efforts.#U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/pYwc50qc1e
Despite the defeat, Nepal proved to the world they are here to stay.
In the field and with the ball, the side can go head-to-head with the best. A stellar effort from the bowlers almost resulted in a defence of just 73 against Scotland, while their efforts in the field, particularly against the Australians, mean the team will be well-represented in the catalogue of great tournament catches.
Mahato too has earned praise for lifting her side in difficult times from those watching on, though it's her teammates that lead the adulation.
Seventeen-year-old bowler Krishma Gurung, who too starred on Nepal's road to the World Cup, hangs on every word from her skipper.
“She's always been a very inspiring leader for all of us and the way she performed for our country in Qualifiers and the Asia Cup is commendable," Gurung told ICC ahead of the tournament.
“She is very calm and just very supportive. She doesn't make us feel like she's the leader of the team. She's like a friend to us.”
Fellow teammate, Sony Pakhrin, continues: “She shows her emotions and she puts everything on her sleeves, she really shows emotions as a captain.
“I think she's been playing brilliant cricket in the last couple of tournaments and she has been in good touch and she is an allrounder as well. So I think that will be a benefit to the team."
COPYING CAPTAIN COOL
Mahato, asked about her leadership style, says she has taken in lessons by watching Rohit Sharma, fresh off T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, in the hope of becoming a “Captain Cool” of her own.
“I like Rohit Sharma, so I want to become a female version (of) Rohit Sharma," Mahato stated during Nepal's media day at the tournament.
“So that's what I want to be on the field. I just want to enjoy cricket.
“Sometimes I might be angry because not every situation I can be cool. But I want to be Captain Cool like everyone says.
“Whenever our team do something wrong or make a mistake, I always keep pushing them to achieve their goal and push them up.
“When we’re just going on the field or whenever batters are going on the field, I always say just enjoy your cricket, no pressure from my side. Just play according to the ball and according to the situation.”
A life-changing experience for a new 'Captain Cool' and her Nepal team 🇳🇵
— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2025
Puja Mahato and teammates take in every moment of Malaysia 👇#U19WorldCuphttps://t.co/r8j2pBL2Q5
Events on November 13, 2024, when Nepal claimed the final World Cup ticket, are a glowing endorsement of Mahajo's measure.
Going for just 11 in her four overs, and contributing a vital 21 (18) when the side were also doing Net Run Rate calculations, her work was rewarded with both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament medals.
“I’ll never forget that day,” Mahato reflects, as 31 million Nepali nationals celebrated another global tournament berth.
“I feel goosebumps because of that day. We just wanted a good net run rate as well for qualifying.
“And, finally we defeated UAE to play at the World Cup. I feel really proud.”
Success for Nepal brings with it nation-wide attention, and Mahato already has a nickname to show for her toil, dubbed the "diamond" of Nepali women's cricket.
The skipper can’t help admit that it builds her confidence.
“It boosts me a lot and it gives me a lot of energy to show my talent.
"So thank you Nepali fans for always supporting me and supporting women's cricket too."
“It is a pleasure for me and a proud feeling as a captain, first ever captain in (Nepal’s) history (at a Women’s World Cup). Even in Nepali they say I'm a history creator, so I feel very proud.”
FINAL OPPORTUNITY
Nepal's next assignment is in Johor where they take on hosts Malaysia in a fourth-place play-off, a final opportunity to take a win home with them.
Though even if the team do not taste victory, Pakhrin understands how significant testing themselves against the best in the world can be for their future.
“I think it's an immense platform for us, for a country like Nepal.
"(It's) special to do it, and I think it feels great to be here. It feels amazing.”
Gurung, who is eager to be a part of cricket in Nepal when they’re even further ahead in stature, sees the country pushing for Full Membership down the line.
"I think we are we all are doing pretty good and I see Nepal playing test cricket in upcoming years.
“We are very hard-working when it comes to cricket, so passionate about it as well. And I think this will lead us to becoming one of the best nations to play cricket.