Nepal books place in Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier

By Pramod Joshi,Kathmandu, May 20: Nepal's women's cricket team made history on Monday by securing a spot in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers for the first time.

Nepal sealed their qualification with a thrilling five-wicket victory over the UAE in the Super 3 stage of the Asia Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand. UAE lost both of their Super 3 matches, ensuring Nepal's place in the next round. Host Thailand also booked their spot after defeating UAE on Sunday.

According to the qualification rules, the top two teams from the Super 3 qualify for the Global Qualifier. Nepal, Thailand, and UAE had reached this stage as group winners from their respective pools.

With this win, Nepal moved to seven points with one match remaining, while Thailand leads with eight points. UAE, having played all their matches, finished with six points and are eliminated from the race.

Nepal topped Group C with five points, while Thailand and UAE finished first in their groups with six points each to reach the Super 3 stage. Nepal and Thailand will face off on May 20 to decide the Asian Qualifier champions.

At Terdthai Cricket Ground, Nepal won the toss and opted to field first. UAE set a competitive target of 114/7 in 20 overs.

Chasing 115, Nepal reached the target in 19.3 overs, losing five wickets. Nepal stumbled to 62/4 in the 13th over, putting themselves in a tough position.

Rajmati Airee (8) fell in the sixth over, while opener Kabita Kunwar departed in the eighth over. Khadka made 21 off 27 balls, hitting three fours. Kabita struggled and was dismissed for just 5 runs. By the ninth over, Nepal stood at 38/3.

Captain Indu Barma then steadied the innings with vice-captain Puja Mahato, but their 24-run stand ended in the 13th over as Puja departed for 13 runs off 19 balls.

Former captain Rubina Chhetri joined Indu and the pair added a crucial 37-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rubina smashed three fours in her quick 23 off 18 balls, shifting momentum in Nepal's favor.

Captain Indu remained unbeaten on 30 runs, guiding Nepal home with three balls to spare. She faced 28 deliveries and hit two fours, earning the Player of the Match award.

For UAE, Michelle Botha, Suraksha Kotte, Vaishnave Mahesh, and Esha Oza each claimed a wicket.

Earlier, Nepali bowlers struggled against UAE’s openers. Captain Esha Oza and Theertha Satish stitched a 45-run partnership for the first wicket. Rajmati Airee broke the stand, dismissing Theertha for 21 off 32 balls in the 10th over. After her dismissal, wickets began to fall regularly.

Esha top-scored with 39 runs, including two fours and a six. Heena Hotchandani added 20 runs, while Lavanya Keny chipped in with 12.

For Nepal, Manisha Upadhyay was the standout bowler, bagging four wickets for 20 runs in her four overs. Kavita Kunwar picked up two wickets, while Rajmati claimed one.

The Global Qualifier will feature ten nations competing for a spot in the Women's T20 World Cup.

Nepal and Thailand qualified from Asia, while USA (from the Americas), Scotland, and Bangladesh (from the 2024 World Cup) have secured their places.

The remaining five teams will come from Europe (two), Africa (two), and East Asia-Pacific (one).

Four teams from the Global Qualifier will earn a place in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, set for June 2026 in England.

Teams will be divided into two groups, and the top two from each will advance. The dates and venue for the Global Qualifier are yet to be confirmed.

PM congratulates cricketers

Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended congratulations to the Nepali women cricketers.  Taking to his social media account, PM Oli congratulated the Nepali women cricketers for entering into the global qualifiers of Women T20 World Cup. 

"Congratulations to Nepali daughters. Historical achievement for Nepal in women's cricket. Nepal has entered into the global qualifiers of the 2026 Women T20 World Cup. It’s a pride moment for Nepal. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes", the PM wrote.