.gif)
In a landmark achievement for Nepali cricket, the national women’s team has qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier for the first time in history. Nepal clinched the spot by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by five wickets in a Super 3 stage match in Thailand.
With this victory, Nepal is now among the top two teams in the Super 3, ensuring a place in the Global Qualifier later this year. Ten teams will participate in that tournament, with the top four earning a place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in England in 2026.
In Sunday’s crucial match at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, UAE won the toss and elected to bat first, putting up a total of 114 runs for seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Captain Esha Oza led the UAE’s innings with a solid 39 runs, supported by Tirth Sathish (21), Heena Hotchandani (20), and Labhnya Keni (12).
Nepal responded confidently, chasing down the 115-run target in 19.3 overs while losing five wickets. Captain Indu Barma anchored the chase with an unbeaten 30 runs. She was well-supported by Rubina Chhetri (23), Samjhana Khadka (21), Puja Mahato (13), Rajmati Airi (8), and Ruby Podar (6*).
Nepal’s bowlers also shone, with Manisha Upadhyaya taking four wickets, Kavita Kunwar claiming two, and Rajmati Airi adding one. On the UAE side, Michel Botha, Suraksha Kote, Vaishnavi Mahesh, and Captain Esha Oza each took one wicket.
Earlier in the Super 3 stage, Thailand had already booked their spot in the Global Qualifier by defeating the UAE by 54 runs. Nepal will face Thailand in their final Super 3 match on Tuesday.
This qualification marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket in Nepal and sets the stage for the team’s continued rise on the international scene.
.jpeg)
.gif)
