Thailand and Nepal progress to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier

Published - 19 May 2025, 22:14 IST | Updated - 19 May 2025, 22:17 IST

Thailand and Nepal finished in first and second place, respectively, at the Super Three competition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia Qualifier to progress to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier.

The tournament which took place in Bangkok, saw nine teams compete for the top two spots that would take them to the final phase of qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in England and Wales.

Nepal, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were in the final three of the tournament, where Thailand beat the UAE by 54 runs on Sunday, followed by Nepal who emerged victorious by five wickets in their fixture against UAE today to finish in the top two and claim their place in the Qualifier.

In Thailand’s match against the UAE, Nattaya Boochatham and Natthakan Chatham contributed scores of 49 and 46, respectively, to get their side to 144 for five after they elected to bat.

In reply, the UAE were restricted to 90 for five, thanks to miserly bowling by Thailand, led by left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong, who took two for 27.

Against Nepal, the UAE once again struggled with the bat as left-arm seam bowler Manisha Upadhayay grabbed four for 20 to restrict the UAE to 114 for seven.

Nepal’s captain Indu Barma steered her side to victory after early trouble saw them slip to 38 for three in the ninth over. Her 28-ball 30 helped her side reach their target with three deliveries to spare.

Nepal and Thailand will join eight other teams to contest for one of four places to the main event.