Another dominant campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier saw the United States of America (USA) clinch their fourth consecutive title and secure a spot in the Global Qualifier, scheduled for early next year.
The recently concluded four-team Americas Qualifier featured hosts Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the USA competing in a double round-robin format. The hosts managed a solitary win, narrowly defeating Canada by a run, to finish fourth, while Brazil, with two wins from six games, claimed third place.
Canada began their campaign with an unlikely 9-run win over the USA, defending a modest total of 51 in a rain-curtailed 7-over match. Captain Amarpal Kaur starred with 12*(19) and 2/9, alongside Achini Perera (28* off 23). However, Canada suffered a surprising setback against Argentina, losing by a single run as Albertina Galan’s timely breakthroughs and skipper Alison Stocks’ disciplined 7-run final over secured a memorable win for Argentina.
Despite the setback, Canada registered a clinical 7-wicket win over Brazil while chasing 56 and defeated Argentina in the second round, defending their target of 110 comfortably by 36 runs. They extended their momentum with another triumph over Brazil, defending 82 with a convincing 29-run margin, as Indomatie Goordial-John excelled with 24 (33) and 2/9.
Meanwhile, the USA rebounded strongly from their opening loss to Canada, registering a commanding 76-run win over Brazil, defending their modest total of 105. Aditiba Chudasama’s three-wicket haul and a collective bowling effort guided the USA to another emphatic 71-run victory, against Argentina, while defending 124.
The USA posted the highest total of the tournament—141—against Brazil, which they defended by 66 runs, significantly boosting their Net Run Rate. Their dominance continued as they chased down Argentina’s 63-run target in just 8 overs, with Aditiba once again starring with a spell of 4/11.
Heading into the final league game between the USA and Canada, both teams were tied at 8 points from four wins each, with the USA leading the table courtesy of their superior Net Run Rate. In this virtual final, Chetna Pagydyala (35 off 33), skipper Anika Kolan (34 off 26, retiring hurt), and Isani Vaghela (17 off 12) guided the USA to a competitive 131/6.
Ritu Singh’s two key wickets and Chethnaa Prasad’s brilliant 4/5 (2) bowled Canada out for 53, with only Achini Perera (19) reaching double digits for Canada. The USA sealed their campaign with a resounding 78-run win—their biggest margin of the season—and their fifth straight victory.
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