Nepal Women delivered a dominant all-round performance in Match 18 of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, crushing Vanuatu Women by a massive 83-run margin in a one-sided contest. After producing a composed batting effort led by a brilliant half-century from Samjhana Khadka, Nepal’s bowlers took complete control of the second innings, with Kabita Kunwar producing a sensational spell to dismantle the Vanuatu batting lineup. Her outstanding figures of 6 for 5 earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award and became the defining performance of the game.
Nepal Women’s innings began with intent as opener Samjhana Khadka immediately looked comfortable at the crease, finding the gaps and rotating strike with confidence. Alongside her, Puja Mahato provided solid support as the pair built a steady opening partnership worth 44 runs. Puja played a positive knock of 19 from 20 deliveries, including a six, before Nasimana Navaika gave Vanuatu their first breakthrough by trapping her lbw in the 6.5th over. The dismissal left Nepal at 44/1, but the strong start had already laid an excellent foundation for the innings.
Bindu Rawal then joined Samjhana at the crease and the two focused on rebuilding while maintaining the scoring rate. Although Rawal found it difficult to accelerate, scoring 7 runs from 24 balls, she stayed long enough to help stabilize the innings. Samjhana, meanwhile, continued to dominate the bowling with elegant stroke play, regularly piercing the infield and keeping pressure on the bowlers. She reached a well-deserved half-century, scoring 52 runs from 51 deliveries with 9 boundaries, anchoring Nepal’s innings beautifully. The second-wicket stand pushed Nepal to 73 before Rawal unfortunately had to retire hurt at 7.14 overs, leaving Nepal needing another finishing push in the death overs.
Indu Barma then arrived and completely shifted the momentum in Nepal’s favour with a brilliant late assault. Her unbeaten 43 from just 18 deliveries was the game-changing innings of the match, featuring 7 boundaries and an astonishing strike rate of 238.88. She found an ideal partner in captain Rubi Poddar, though Poddar could only manage 1 run from 2 balls before being dismissed at 104/3 in the 17.4th over, caught by Gillian Chilia off Rachel Andrew. Before that, Samjhana Khadka had departed after her excellent innings at 81/2 in the 15.5th over, giving Vanuatu a brief opening. However, Indu ensured there was no comeback. Kabita Kunwar added a handy unbeaten 6 off 5 balls as Nepal Women closed strongly at 132/3 in their 20 overs, finishing with a run rate of 6.60.
Vanuatu Women’s bowling effort had mixed moments. Vanessa Vira bowled with discipline, finishing with economical figures of 0/21 in 4 overs, while Susan Stephen was excellent as well, conceding just 13 runs from her 4-over spell without a wicket. Nasimana Navaika picked up the important wicket of Puja Mahato and ended with 1/21 in 4 overs. Natalia Kakor also claimed one wicket, dismissing the retired-out Bindu Rawal situation, while Rachel Andrew took the key wicket of Rubi Poddar and finished with 1/42 in her 4 overs. Despite these contributions, the late assault from Indu Barma pushed the total beyond their comfort zone.
Chasing 133, Vanuatu Women never found rhythm and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Valenta Langiatu looked the most promising batter at the top, scoring 14 off 19 balls with 3 boundaries, but wickets kept falling around her. Susan Stephen was dismissed for a duck by Kabita Kunwar, and Rachel Andrew, the captain, struggled for timing during her slow 8 off 25 balls before falling to a sharp catch by Samjhana Khadka off Puja Mahato. Nasimana Navaika added 11 from 25 balls, but the lack of partnerships made the chase increasingly difficult.
The collapse intensified once Kabita Kunwar came into the attack. She ran through the middle and lower order with extraordinary control and accuracy. Gillian Chilia scored just 2 before becoming one of Kunwar’s victims, while Vanessa Vira added only 2 runs. Alvina Chilia and Anna Griffin both fell for ducks, Melissa Fare managed only 1, and Rayline Ova was dismissed for another duck as Vanuatu’s innings crumbled rapidly. The only batter left unbeaten was Natalia Kakor on 3, but by then the result was long decided. Vanuatu Women were bowled out for just 49 in 16.4 overs, finishing with a poor run rate of 2.94.
Kabita Kunwar’s spell of 6 for 5 in just 3.4 overs was nothing short of extraordinary and one of the best bowling performances of the tournament so far. She was brilliantly supported by Puja Mahato, who picked up 2 wickets for 10 runs in her 4 overs, including the important scalp of Rachel Andrew. Rachana Chaudhary also contributed with 2/12 in 3 overs, while Manisha Upadhayay and Riya Sharma maintained pressure through economical spells.
This Nepal Women vs Vanuatu Women clash perfectly showcased how important balance is in T20 cricket. Nepal Women were superior in every department, batting, bowling, and fielding. Samjhana Khadka’s composed fifty set the platform, Indu Barma’s explosive unbeaten 43 provided the finishing touch, and Kabita Kunwar’s magical six-wicket haul sealed a massive victory. With this emphatic win in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026, Nepal Women significantly boosted their campaign and Net Run Rate, while Vanuatu Women were left with plenty to rethink after a difficult outing.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.