The Netherlands Women and Nepal Women produced one of the most thrilling contests of the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier Group B clash at Kirtipur, with the Dutch side edging past Nepal by just two runs in a nail-biting finish that kept fans on edge until the final delivery. It was a game defined by momentum swings, crucial partnerships, and a dramatic final over that showcased the growing competitiveness of women’s associate cricket.
Netherlands Women began their innings with an early setback as Phoebe Molkenboer was dismissed for a first-ball duck, caught off Samjhana Khadka off the bowling of Somu Bist, leaving the Dutch side wobbling at 9 for 1. Heather Siegers provided a quick counterattack, striking 13 off just five balls, including three boundaries, before falling to Puja Mahato. Captain Babette de Leede then anchored the innings with a composed 49 off 47 balls, striking seven fours, stabilising the innings after the early jitters.
She found an able partner in Sterre Kalis, who contributed a valuable 30 off 34 deliveries, and together they added a crucial partnership that rebuilt the innings after the early collapse. Robine Rijke added late impetus with a brisk 19 off 17 balls, while Frederique Overdijk chipped in with five runs before falling. Iris Zwilling remained unbeaten on 14 off nine balls, ensuring the Netherlands reached a competitive total. The Dutch innings was supported by extras as well, with Nepal conceding 10 additional runs.
Nepal’s bowlers kept things tight throughout, with Riya Sharma impressing with figures of 4 overs for 13 runs and a wicket, while Rubina Chhetry was the standout with two wickets for 21 runs in her three overs. Somu Bist and Puja Mahato also picked up one wicket each, while Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar maintained pressure through economical spells.
In response, Nepal Women began brightly, with Bindu Rawal scoring 18 off 15 balls and Samjhana Khadka striking 14 off eight deliveries in an aggressive start. However, wickets fell in clusters, with Indu Barma managing six runs and Kajal Shrestha adding four before both fell to Isabel van der Woning. Puja Mahato struggled to get going, scoring eight off 21 balls, while Kabita Joshi added 13 off 18 balls in the middle overs.
Nepal found hope through Rubina Chhetry, who played a brilliant innings of 37 off 32 balls, keeping the chase alive with crucial boundaries, and Sita Rana Magar provided a late surge with an explosive 27* off just 12 balls, including a six, taking the game deep into the final over.
The Netherlands bowling unit held their nerve under pressure, with Isabel van der Woning delivering a match-winning spell of 3 for 16 in three overs, earning her the Player of the Match award. Caroline de Lange also contributed with one wicket for 17 runs, while Silver Siegers and Robine Rijke picked up one wicket each. Heather Siegers bowled economically, conceding just 21 runs in her four overs, while Frederique Overdijk provided support despite going wicketless.
Despite Nepal’s valiant chase, they finished just short at 138 for 7, falling two runs shy of the target. The match highlighted Nepal’s fighting spirit and the Netherlands’ composure under pressure, making it one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament so far.
Loves all things female cricket