The 18th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, United States of America against Papua New Guinea on January 26, 2026. Both sides sit with one win from three Group A games, this clash at Mulpani Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu could define hopes on a balanced surface primed for drama.
Squads:
United States of America Women’s Cricket Team
Aditiba Chudasama (C), Chetna Pagydyala, Disha Dhingra, Ella Claridge (WK), Gargi Bhogle, Geetika Kodali, Isani Vaghela, Lekha Shetty, Maahi Madhavan, Pooja Ganesh, Ritu Singh, Saanvi Immadi, Sainavi Kambalapalli, Tara Norris, Taranum Chopra
Papua New Guinea Women’s Cricket Team
Brenda Tau, Pauke Siaka, Melanie Ani, Hollan Doriga, Sibona Jimmy, Dika Lohia, Konio Oala, Hane Tau, Geua Tom, Mai Tom, Isabel Toua, Naoani Vare
Players to watch out:
Ella Claridge
Right-hand batter and right-arm medium all-rounder, Claridge shines in 9 WT20Is with 177 runs at 122 strike rate. Her recent Player of the Match stunner 70 runs and 2 stumpings against Namibia shows all phase impact; on this pitch with early bounce, she’ll anchor chase while chipping with the ball.
Tara Norris
The 27-year-old left-arm medium pacer boasts 12 wickets in 13 WT20Is at 3.00 economy, with the best figures of 3/10. Recent spells of 3/10 vs Ireland and 3/34 vs Namibia highlight her swing threat; expect her to exploit early carry against PNG’s top order on a surface that aids pace upfront.
Hollan Doriga
Left-hand batter and right-arm medium bowler, Doriga packs a punch across 36 WT20Is, 359 runs at 118 strike rate and 16 wickets at the economy 4.90 including the best spell of 5/2. Her gritty 39 vs Namibia proves her ability to anchor innings; she’ll counter USA’s attack while probing with seam on a track that slows later.
Sibona Jimmy
Right-arm off-spinner in 55 WT20Is, Jimmy blends 736 runs at 93.04 strike rate with 51 wickets, including best of 4/13, and an economy rate of 4.41. Recent form vs Namibia 15 runs and 2 wickets add balance; her grip and turn will test the United States as the pitch grips in the middle overs.
Pitch:
Mulpani Cricket Stadium offers a balanced surface, backing batters and bowlers alike. Pacers enjoy early pace and bounce with good carry; it slows later, aiding spinners with grip and turn for competitive scores.
Weather:
Kathmandu sets perfect conditions with minimum 6°C to maximum 17°C, light 5 km/h winds, and 37% humidity. Crisp air boosts early swing without dew and 0% precipitation promises uninterrupted play.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Ella Claridge, Tara Norris, Hollan Doriga, Sibona Jimmy, Aditiba Chudasama, Isabel Toua, Ritu Singh, Saanvi Immadi, Dika Lohia, Hane Tau, Taranum Chopra
Match Details:
Date – January 26, 2026
Time – 8:45 AM IST
Venue – Mulpani Cricket Stadium, Kathmandu
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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