Nepal Women produced a composed, confident, and tactically mature performance to overcome Zimbabwe Women by six wickets in the 15th Match of Group B at Kirtipur on January 24, 2026, in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026, showcasing their growing stature in associate women’s cricket.
In a contest that ebbed and flowed through disciplined bowling spells, resilient batting partnerships, and calm finishing, Nepal held their nerve to chase down the target with three balls remaining, led by a match-winning all-round display from Puja Mahato, who fittingly walked away with the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten 52 off 50 balls and economical bowling figures of 1/21.
Zimbabwe Women began their innings with early momentum but were quickly pulled back by Nepal’s sharp bowling discipline. Chippo Mugeri-Tiripano opened in attacking fashion, smashing 8 off just 3 balls, including two boundaries, before Kabita Kunwar struck early to remove the skipper at 9/1 in just 0.3 overs. Beloved Biza and Modester Mupachikwa then attempted to stabilize the innings, building a cautious partnership that added stability rather than speed.
Biza’s 34 off 35 balls (4 fours) became the backbone of Zimbabwe’s middle phase, while Mupachikwa struggled for timing, scoring 14 off 26 balls, as Nepal’s bowlers choked the scoring lanes. Their stand took Zimbabwe past 50, but the pressure eventually told when Riya Sharma and Puja Mahato broke through the middle order.
The real resistance came through a fluent and fearless innings from Kelis Ndhlovu, who counter-attacked beautifully with 52 not out off 36 balls, striking 8 boundaries and lifting the tempo in the death overs. Ndhlovu’s partnership phases with the lower order helped Zimbabwe recover from 71/4 to cross 120, despite wickets falling regularly, Loreen Tshuma (0), Josephine Nkomo (6), and Chiedza Dhururu (4) all departed as Nepal’s bowlers kept striking at crucial moments. Zimbabwe eventually closed at 129/6 in 20 overs, a competitive but chaseable total on a balanced Kirtipur surface.
Nepal’s bowling effort was a collective masterclass in control and structure. Riya Sharma led the attack with 2/25 in 4 overs, consistently hitting the right lengths. Puja Mahato (1/21 in 4 overs) combined accuracy with control, while Rubina Chhetry (1/24 in 3 overs) and Sita Rana Magar (1/26 in 4 overs) chipped in at vital moments. Kabita Kunwar’s early breakthrough set the tone, and Somu Bist’s tidy spell (2 overs for 10 runs) helped build pressure in the middle overs. The bowling unit ensured Zimbabwe never fully broke free despite Ndhlovu’s late surge.
In reply, Nepal Women lost early wickets that briefly swung momentum back Zimbabwe’s way. Samjhana Khadka (9) and Bindu Rawal (15) departed inside the powerplay, making it 28/2, but that early wobble became the stage for a match-defining partnership. Puja Mahato and captain Indu Barma stitched together a calm, intelligent stand, rotating strike, punishing loose balls, and soaking pressure. Indu Barma’s 22 off 23 balls provided stability, while Puja anchored the chase with maturity beyond her years. Their partnership took Nepal past 80, shifting control firmly in the chase.
Even after Indu Barma’s dismissal, Puja Mahato held firm, finding support from Sita Rana Magar (11) and Rubina Chhetry (2*), steering Nepal through the final overs with composure. Puja’s unbeaten 52 off 50 balls, laced with four boundaries and two sixes, was a perfect blend of patience and authority, ensuring Nepal crossed the line at 133/4 in 19.3 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers fought hard, with Josephine Nkomo (2 wickets), Christabel Chatonzwa (1/19), and Nomvelo Sibanda (1/28) showing discipline, but they lacked the penetration to break Nepal’s key partnerships at the right time.
This victory not only highlights Nepal Women’s growing consistency in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, but also underlines their tactical maturity, team balance, and leadership depth. From structured bowling spells to composed batting partnerships and calm finishing, Nepal delivered a complete team performance, a result that strengthens their campaign and signals their intent as serious contenders in Group B.
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