Ireland comes into this fixture riding a wave of momentum after a clinical 98-run dismantling of the Netherlands. That win was a massive statement, moving them into 3rd place in the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier Super Six standings and putting them within touching distance of qualification. On the flip side, Thailand is searching for a spark; they recently fell to the USA in a low-scoring battle and currently sit at the bottom of the Super Six table. For Ireland, a win here almost certainly punches their ticket, while Thailand will be playing for pride and the chance to play spoiler.
Squads:
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Christina Coulter Reilly, Gaby Lewis, Rebecca Stokell, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Aimee Maguire, Alana Dalzell, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride
Thailand Women’s Cricket Team
Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Naruemol Chaiwai, Natthakan Chantham, Rosenan Kanoh, Chanida Sutthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Suwanan Khiaoto, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Phannita Maya, Suleeporn Laomi, Thipatcha Putthawong
Players to watch out:
Gaby Lewis
Gaby has been the engine room for the Irish batting lineup, leading the tournament’s run charts with 251 runs. She set the tone early with a brisk 42 against Papua New Guinea and followed it up with a vital 77 in the warm-ups and a crucial 20 in the high stakes win over the Netherlands. Her ability to consistently find the boundary at the top of the order has been the primary reason Ireland remains on the cusp of qualification.
Natthakan Chantham
Natthakan remains the cornerstone of Thailand’s batting, showcasing her class with an unbeaten 57 that steered her team to a dominant win over Nepal. Throughout the qualifiers, she has been the one keeping the scoreboard ticking, recently adding a resilient 46 against a tough Bangladesh attack. Her composure under pressure and high batting average makes her the prized wicket for any opposition facing the Thai side.
Arlene Kelly
Arlene has been a master of consistency with the ball, providing Ireland with crucial breakthroughs during the powerplay and middle overs. She has already pocketed 9 wickets in the tournament, highlighted by a sharp 2/18 against PNG and a clinical 4/20 in another fixture. Her ability to maintain a tight line and a strike rate of around 8.25 has made her one of the most effective seamers in the Nepal conditions.
Onnicha Kamchomphu
Onnicha has provided Thailand with the necessary control in the spin department, often breaking dangerous partnerships just when they start to look threatening. Her 2/24 against Nepal was a perfect example of her tactical bowling, using flight and turn to stifle the hosts’ momentum. She has picked up 8 wickets so far with best figures of 3 for 16 and is a reliable middle-over specialist, her knack for keeping the economy rate down while chipping away at the wickets has been invaluable for her captain.
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. Boundaries at 60-86m demand precision.
Weather:
Kirtipur will experience a sunny day with a high of 18°C and a low of 7°C. Humidity will be at 54% and a slightly lower UV index. It will stay dry with a 3-mph southwest wind.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Natthakan Chantham, Nattaya Boochatham, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Gaby Lewis, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly
Match Details:
Date – February 1, 2026
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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