Bhutan opener Ngawang Choden fell first ball, and the real drama followed. Ritshi Choden, her replacement, needed longer than the permitted 90 seconds to take guard in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup match in Mantin, Malaysia. Umpires Sun Meng Yao and Ankita Guha upheld Nepal’s appeal, confirming the first timed-out dismissal in women’s international cricket. Nepal went on to win by 51 runs, topping Group D.
“It does not reflect the values and spirit of cricket that the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) strives to uphold,” CAN admitted in a statement released a few hours later. “While the dismissal was effected within the Laws of Cricket, we recognise that the spirit of the game extends beyond the written laws and must remain central to our conduct at all times.”
The sequence lasted barely a minute but felt noticeably longer on the field. Choden jogged out with gloves and helmet in hand, exchanged a few words with the square-leg umpire, then saw Nepal’s fielders gather and raise their arms. Puja Mahato spoke briefly to the officials, celebrations began, and Choden turned straight back. Bhutan were suddenly 0 for 2 after one legal delivery.
Law 40.1 – formerly Law 38 in earlier Codes – gives a new batter 90 seconds to be “ready to receive the next ball”, though many sides rarely appeal. Former MCC laws adviser Tom Smith told local radio, “The law is crystal-clear; the ethical question is whether you actually use it.”
CAN felt their players crossed that ethical line. “As a developing cricketing nation, we place the utmost importance on sportsmanship, mutual respect, and fair play,” the board added. “We convey our sincere apologies to Bhutan Cricket, the player concerned, and all relevant stakeholders.”
Bhutan never recovered from the early blow. Chasing 114, they mustered only 62 for 9 in their 20 overs. Nepal’s spinners shared six wickets, and Rubina Chhetry’s unbeaten 27 provided calm authority with the bat.
Bhutan coach Karma Sengdhen refused to criticise the officials: “Rules are rules—we were simply too slow out of the blocks. Our focus now is on the next game.” Her opposite number, Nepal coach Manoj Pradhan, kept celebrations muted. “We’re pleased with two wins, but the manner of that dismissal left everyone a bit flat,” he said.
Nepal have four points and a healthy net run-rate heading into their final group fixture. Bhutan, still winless, need results elsewhere to stay alive. Whatever happens next, the timed-out debate is likely to follow both sides through the rest of the tournament.
