Kathmandu’s cricket grounds witnessed landmark moments in women’s T20 cricket as Bangladesh and Netherlands punched their tickets to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England during the qualifier’s super sixes. Scotland’s emphatic win over Ireland added to the excitement.
For Netherlands, this marks a groundbreaking first-time qualification. Against USA at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, USA posted 129/7 in 20 overs after winning the toss. Key knocks came from Gargi Bhogle’s 36 and Isani Vaghela’s unbeaten 32, but Netherlands’ bowlers, led by Hannah Landheer’s 3-30, restricted them. Rain halted play after 12 overs with Netherlands at 90/2. Heather Siegers smashed 28 off 12 balls with three sixes, while opener Phoebe Molkenboer remained not out on 46 off 43. DLS method confirmed their 21-run triumph.
Bangladesh dominated Thailand at Mulpani, bouncing back from 12/2 thanks to Juiyera Fardous (56 off 45) and Sobhana Mostari’s match-winning 59 off 42. They finished at 165/9. Thailand’s reply started disastrously with Suwannin Kiao-oto bowled on the first ball by Marufa Akhtar (3-25). Nathakan Chantham (46) and Nannapat Koncharoenkai (29) added 67, but they folded at 126/8.
In the other clash, Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce starred with bat (30) and ball (4-21), guiding her team to 160/5. Sarah Bryce top-scored with 47, while Ireland managed only 121 all out, Gaby Lewis fighting with 41 but succumbing to Scotland’s spin duo Priyanaz Chatterji and Abtaha Mehmood.
As the qualifiers progress, these teams have positioned themselves strongly for the global showdown.
