The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 in Kirtipur kicked off with a powerful performance from Thailand Women, as they chased down the target set by Nepal Women with ease, winning by eight wickets and with 19 balls remaining. The match highlighted a mix of batting skill, disciplined bowling, and a standout performance that truly influenced the outcome.
Nepal batted first in bright conditions, eager to make the most of the pitch. Openers Bindu Rawal and Samjhana Khadka balanced caution with aggression early on. Khadka was particularly explosive, smashing six boundaries in an entertaining 26 runs off just 11 balls, helping Nepal to a solid 52/1. However, her dismissal in the sixth over slowed down their momentum.
Rawal continued to anchor the innings, scoring a patient 44 runs from 56 balls, hitting six fours but having a hard time finding the flow against a disciplined Thai bowling attack. The pressure from Thailand intensified during the middle overs. Once the spinners came on, the run rate dropped, and wickets began to fall quickly. Puja Mahato managed 12 runs, Indu Barma scored 6, and Kabita Joshi was out for 3, all succumbing to the mounting pressure.
Thailand’s bowlers worked well together, with Thipatcha Putthawong being the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs and consistently troubling the Nepali batters with her variations. Onnicha Kamchomphu contributed with 2/24, while Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, and Sunida Chaturongrattana chipped in with a wicket each, leaving Nepal in a tight spot towards the end. Thanks to a late surge from Rubina Chhetry, who scored 17 off 10 balls, Nepal managed to post a total of 122, losing all their wickets in 20 overs.
During the chase for 123, Thailand started strong, with Aphisara Suwanchonrathi and Nattakan Chantham building a solid foundation. Suwanchonrathi played smoothly, scoring 28 runs off 32 balls and hitting two boundaries, helping to establish a 66-run opening partnership before she fell to Sita Rana Magar, who was Nepal’s best bowler with figures of 2/20.
The innings was characterized by Nattakan Chantham’s stunning performance. She displayed a masterclass in how to balance aggression with control, easily rotating the strike, punishing loose deliveries, and running well between wickets. Her unbeaten 57 runs off 39 balls, featuring nine fours and a six, ensured that Thailand was always on track in the chase.
Even after Suwanchonrathi’s wicket, there was no sign of panic. Nannapat Koncharoenkai added a brisk 32 runs off 25 balls before she became Nepal’s second and final wicket. Captain Naruemol Chaiwai finished the match alongside Chantham, guiding Thailand to victory at 125/2 in just 16.5 overs.
Nepal’s bowling attack displayed moments of tight spells through Rubina Chhetry, Riya Sharma, and Kabita Kunwar, but Thailand’s composure ensured that they always found boundaries and managed to rotate the strike effectively.
As Thailand celebrated a convincing victory to start their campaign, they set a clear tone: composed batting, precise spin bowling, and a match-winning performance. While Nepal showed flashes of spirit, they know they need to sharpen their batting if they want to compete against the top teams.
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