The opening clash in Group B of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 brings together two sides that have become very familiar with each other on the qualifying circuit. Both the Netherlands and Zimbabwe have made massive strides in recent years, but they arrive in Kathmandu with slightly different momentum. While the Dutch recently found some rhythm in their warm-up games, Zimbabwe is looking to shake off a couple of narrow losses and prove they can translate their dominance in African cricket onto the global stage.
Squads:
Netherlands Women’s Cricket Team
Babette de Leede, Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Merel Dekeling, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Steere Kallis
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Adel Zimunu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Nyasha Gwanzura, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Beloved Biza, Christabel Chatonzwa, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Chiedza Dhururu, Modester Mupachikwa, Francisca Chipare, Kudzai Chigora, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Loreen Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda
Players to watch out:
Babette de Leede
Babette has evolved into the cornerstone of the Dutch top order, now boasting 86 T20I appearances with a career tally of 1,420 runs. Her reliability is reflected in her average of 21.00 and the personal best of 82*, numbers that highlight her ability to anchor an innings under pressure. Beyond her batting, she remains a force behind the stumps, having executed 55 dismissals, including a world-record-equaling five stumpings in a single match during her career.
Iris Zwilling
A vital all-rounder who brings balance to the Netherlands squad, Iris has now played 82 T20I matches, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. She has amassed 814 runs with a high score of 56, while her right-arm medium pace has earned her 91 wickets at an impressive economy rate. Her consistency is her greatest strength, often providing the crucial breakthrough or a quick-fire innings that shifts the momentum in favor of the Dutch.
Loreen Tshuma
Loreen is a tactical right-arm medium-fast bowler who has become a frequent wicket-taker for Zimbabwe, currently sitting on 44 T20I wickets. Her career-best figures of 4/11 against Rwanda remain a highlight of her ability to tear through middle orders with precision and pace. She has also developed into a handy lower-order batter, recently pushing her career runs past 200, making her a dependable crisis player for the Lady Chevrons.
Nomvelo Sibanda
Nomvelo provides a unique left-arm medium-fast angle that consistently troubles opening batters, leading to 53 career T20I wickets. Her standout performance of 5/14 against Namibia proves she can be unplayable when she finds her rhythm and swing early in the innings. With 15 maiden overs to her name, she is widely regarded as one of the most disciplined and economical bowlers in the African circuit.
Pitch:
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground provides consistent bounce on turf, helping pacers upfront and spinners as wear sets in, making it bowler friendly. T20 stats across 39 games average 160 first innings, with 21 batting-first wins and boundaries at 60-86m demand precision.
Weather:
Kirtipur’s forecast reads 18-20°C daytime max, partly cloudy, 88-93% humidity, and low rain probability. Expect calm conditions, 11°C lows overnight, promising a complete day of cricket without rain interruptions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Babette de Leede, Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Iris Zwilling, Silver Siegers, Steere Kallis, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Nyasha Gwanzura, Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda
Match Details:
Date – January 18, 2025
Time – 8:45 AM IST
Venue – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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