The United States of America Women delivered a clinical and disciplined performance against Thailand Women in the Super Six clash of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Global 2026 at Kathmandu, combining timely partnerships with a sharp bowling display to secure a convincing 28-run victory. It was a contest shaped by resilience with the bat and authority with the ball, as the Americans controlled key phases despite facing regular breakthroughs.
Opting to bat first, USA Women aimed to build steadily rather than explode early, but Thailand struck quickly to disrupt their rhythm. Disha Dhingra looked positive during her brief stay, scoring 14 off 17 balls with two boundaries before falling at 27/1 in the 4.3 over, caught off the bowling of Phannita Maya. Chetna Pagydyala attempted to counterattack with three fours in her 18 off 19 balls, stitching together a useful stand with Ella Claridge that carried the innings to 42. However, Claridge’s dismissal for 9 — trapped lbw by Kamchomphu — triggered a mini-collapse, and when Pagydyala departed at 43/3 in 7.5 overs, Thailand sensed an opportunity to dominate the middle phase.
The pressure continued as Isani Vaghela struggled to accelerate, managing 5 off 10 before being stumped, while captain Aditiba Chudasama was run out for 8 at 62/5 in the 12.2 over. At that stage, USA needed a stabilising partnership, and it arrived through Pooja Ganesh and Tara Norris. The duo rebuilt smartly, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries to drag momentum back. Norris played a brisk knock of 18* off 13 balls, including a six, before becoming Sunida Chaturongrattana’s second wicket at 98/6 in the 16.3 over.
Ganesh, however, stood tall amid the turbulence, anchoring the innings with a composed unbeaten 35 off 25 balls that featured three boundaries. She found support from Ritu Singh, whose lively 15 off just 9 balls pushed the scoring rate upward during a crucial seventh-wicket partnership that lifted the USA beyond the 110-mark. Late wickets — including Maahi Madhavan for 0 and Geetika Kodali for 2 — slowed the final surge, but the Americans battled through to post 128 in 19.5 overs, a total built on grit rather than dominance.
Thailand’s bowlers shared the workload impressively. Onnicha Kamchomphu was the standout performer with exceptional figures of 3/16 in four overs, maintaining relentless accuracy. Phannita Maya (2/32), Thipatcha Putthawong (2/27), and Sunida Chaturongrattana (2/23) ensured wickets fell at regular intervals, while Suleeporn Laomi bowled economically despite going wicketless. Their collective effort prevented the USA from breaking free, keeping the target within reach.
Chasing 129, Thailand Women endured a nightmare start against a fired-up American attack. Natthakan Chantham was trapped lbw by Tara Norris for 4 at just 5 runs on the board, and Nannaphat Chaihan followed soon after, bowled by the same bowler for 0, leaving Thailand reeling at 12/2 inside three overs. Nannapat Koncharoenkai attempted to rebuild with a fluent 28 off 24 balls, striking five fours, but her dismissal at 48/3 shifted pressure firmly back onto Thailand.
Captain Naruemol Chaiwai tried to anchor the chase with a patient 31 off 35 balls, forming a brief partnership with Chanida Sutthiruang (6). Yet USA’s bowlers kept tightening the screws — Sutthiruang fell at 61/4, and when Suleeporn Laomi was dismissed for 1, the asking rate climbed sharply. The turning point arrived when Chaiwai departed at 77/6 in the 14.1 over, caught off Ritu Singh, effectively halting Thailand’s hopes of a structured chase.
Lower-order contributions never truly threatened the target. Suwanan Khiaoto scored 5, Phannita Maya managed just 1, and although Sunida Chaturongrattana added a fighting 11 off 10 balls, the required rate proved too steep. Thailand were eventually bowled out for 100 in 19 overs, falling short despite their determination.
Tara Norris led the bowling masterclass, producing a Player of the Match performance with outstanding figures of 3/22 in four overs, setting the tone early and returning at crucial moments. Geetika Kodali complemented her brilliantly with 2/13, delivering one of the most economical spells of the match. Maahi Madhavan (2/19) struck key blows in the middle overs, while Ritu Singh (2/13) dismantled the lower order. Aditiba Chudasama chipped in with 1/20, ensuring there was no escape route for Thailand.
The United States ability to recover through partnerships, defend a modest total with disciplined bowling, and seize momentum at critical junctures defined the contest. Thailand Women showed flashes of resistance but were undone by early wickets and a mounting run rate. With this 28-run triumph, USA Women strengthened their campaign and demonstrated why balance across departments remains the cornerstone of success in tournament cricket.
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