The Group A clash between Namibia Women and United States of America (USA) Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 at Mulapani, Kathmandu, delivered an engaging contest that swung momentum repeatedly before the United States Women held their nerve to secure a four-wicket win with four balls remaining. The match highlighted individual brilliance, crucial partnerships, and disciplined bowling spells, making it one of the more compelling encounters of the tournament so far.
Namibia Women began with intent but found the early overs challenging against a probing USA bowling attack. Captain Sune Wittmann tried to set the tempo, striking a couple of boundaries in her brief stay, but her innings of 8 ended in the fifth over when she was caught by Tara Norris off Isani Vaghela, leaving Namibia at 32 for 1. The early breakthrough gave the USA confidence, but it was Yasmeen Khan who changed the complexion of the innings entirely.
Walking in at number three, Yasmeen counterattacked with remarkable authority, finding gaps with ease and punishing anything short or wide. Her fluent stroke play was complemented by a steady partnership with Merczerly Gorases, as the pair stitched together a vital stand that took Namibia past the 100-run mark.
Yasmeen Khan’s innings was the backbone of Namibia’s total, as she hammered 74 off just 47 deliveries, including 11 fours and 2 sixes, striking at an impressive rate of 157.44. Gorases played the perfect supporting role, contributing a composed 28 from 34 balls, ensuring momentum was maintained through the middle overs.
Their partnership of 76 runs for the third wicket put Namibia firmly in control before USA struck back with quick wickets. Tara Norris and Saanvi Immadi were instrumental in breaking the stand, with Gorases falling at 108 in the 15th over, followed soon after by Yasmeen Khan at 113, stumped brilliantly by Ella Claridge off Norris.
The late overs saw Namibia lose wickets in clusters, preventing a final flourish. Naomi Benjamin, Mekelaye Mwatile, and Kayleen Green were dismissed cheaply, but Wilka Mwatile (15* off 12) and Jurriene Diergaardt (11* off 10) ensured Namibia finished strongly at 144 for 6 in 20 overs. For USA Women, Tara Norris led the bowling with 3 for 34, while Isani Vaghela returned 2 for 15, and Saanvi Immadi chipped in with a crucial wicket. Ritu Singh’s economical spell of 4 overs for 15 runs also applied sustained pressure during the middle phase.
In reply, the USA Women’s chase began with promise but not without hiccups. Disha Dhingra struck a brisk 12 off 9 balls before falling at 15, and Chetna Pagydyala added 15 from 26 deliveries as the openers looked to settle. The turning point of the chase came with the arrival of Ella Claridge, who anchored the innings with composure and controlled aggression. After the USA slipped to 58 for 2, Claridge found a reliable partner in Ritu Singh, and together they built a decisive partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in the USA’s favour.
Ella Claridge played a match-defining knock, scoring 70 off 51 balls, laced with 10 fours and a six, while also showcasing excellent running between the wickets. Ritu Singh provided the finishing impetus with a quickfire 21 off 10 balls, including two sixes, as their partnership propelled USA past the 100-run mark. Namibia fought back with wickets; Isani Vaghela, Aditiba Chudasama, and Ritu Singh all departed in quick succession, but Claridge remained calm under pressure.
Namibia’s bowlers put in a spirited effort, with Eveleen Kejarukua and Saima Tuhadeleni picking up two wickets each, while Wilka Mwatile was economical and effective in the middle overs. Despite this resistance, the USA’s lower order kept their composure. Pooja Ganesh (6* off 6) and Tara Norris (3* off 3) ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding the team to 145 for 6 in 19.2 overs.
With a superb all-round contribution, 70 runs and two sharp stumpings, Ella Claridge was deservedly named Player of the Match. The result strengthened the USA Women’s position in Group A, while Namibia Women took positives from Yasmeen Khan’s outstanding innings.
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