Match 16 of the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 sees two heavyweights of Group A collide. Bangladesh sits at the top of the table with a perfect three-from-three record and a formidable NRR of 2.183. Ireland is hot on their heels in second place, having won both of their opening matches. This isn’t just a battle for points; it’s a direct fight for the top seed, which carries significant weight heading into the Super Six crossover.
Squads:
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
Farzana Haque, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Sumaiya Akter, Fahima Khatun, Mst Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Nigar Sultana Joty, Rubya Haider, Fariha Trisna, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Rabeya Khan, Shanjida Akther Maghla
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
Players to watch out:
Sobhana Mostary
Sobhana has been in exceptional form for Bangladesh, currently sitting as one of the tournament’s top scorers with 93 runs in 3 matches. She has maintained a strike rate of 122.36, highlighted by her crucial 34 off 24 balls against Papua New Guinea. Her ability to find the boundary is unmatched in the middle order, having already hit 5 sixes in the competition.
Leah Paul
Leah has been the backbone of Ireland’s batting, highlighted by her match-winning 67 off 52 balls against the United States. She played a patient yet aggressive innings, hitting 8 boundaries to anchor the Irish total. Her all-round utility as a left-arm spinner also remains a vital asset for Ireland during the middle overs.
Rabeya Khan
Rabeya is currently the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, having claimed 6 wickets in 3 matches with an incredible best of 3 for 5. Her leg-spin has been lethal, averaging just 12.00 per wicket and consistently stifling the opposition’s run rate. She was instrumental in the win over Namibia, where her bowling rampage helped thump them by 80 runs.
Arlene Kelly
Arlene has been the standout pacer of the qualifier, taking 6 wickets at a stunning average of 6.33 and a stunning average of 7. Her best figures of 4 for 20 against the United States completely broke the back of their chase and earned her high praise and she will be one of Ireland’s key bowlers going ahead into the tournament.
Pitch:
Mulpani Cricket Ground offers a balanced turf wicket with true bounce and pace, favoring seamers early before spin grips later. T20 records from 13 matches show 151 average first innings score, with teams bowling first winning 8. The quick outfield and 60-70m boundaries encourage attacking cricket.
Weather:
The weather will be cloudy during the day with a high of 17°C and a low of 6°C. There is a 10% chance of rain during both the day and night, with humidity levels around 48%. Winds will be light, coming from the west at 4 mph, and the UV index will be low at 1.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Sumaiya Akter, Shorna Akter, Nigar Sultana Joty, Rabeya Khan, Gaby Lewis, Laura Delany, Leah Paul,Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly
Match Details:
Date – January 25, 2025
Time – 12:45 PM IST
Venue – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Nepal
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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