Nepal Qualifies for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier for First Time

In a historic milestone for Nepali cricket, the national women’s team has qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier for the first time. Nepal clinched the spot by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by five wickets in a decisive Super 3 stage match at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Thailand on Sunday.

With this victory, Nepal secured one of the top two positions in the Super 3 standings, ensuring a place in the Global Qualifier tournament later this year. A total of 10 teams will compete in that qualifier, with the top four advancing to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in England.

After winning the toss, Nepal chose to field first. UAE posted 114 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. UAE captain Esha Oza led the scoring with 39 runs, supported by Tirtha Satish (21), Heena Hotchandani (20), and Labhnya Keni (12).

Nepal’s bowlers performed impressively, with Manisha Upadhyaya claiming 4 wickets, Kavita Kunwar taking 2, and Rajmati Airi adding one to the tally.

In reply, Nepal chased down the target of 115 runs in 19.3 overs, losing five wickets. Captain Indu Barma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 30 runs, while Rubina Chhetri (23), Samjhana Khadka (21), Puja Mahato (13), Rajmati Airi (8), and Ruby Podar (6 not out) contributed to the successful chase.

UAE’s bowlers shared wickets among Michel Both, Suraksha Kote, Vaishnavi Mahesh, and Esha Oza, each taking one wicket.

Nepal is now set to face Thailand in its final Super 3 match on Tuesday. Thailand had earlier confirmed its Global Qualifier spot after defeating the UAE by 54 runs in the first Super 3 fixture.

Nepal’s qualification represents a major step forward for women’s cricket in the country and adds to the growing enthusiasm for the sport in the region.

This is the first time Nepal’s women’s cricket team has advanced to this level in the T20 World Cup structure. With the Global Qualifier on the horizon, Nepal now stands just a few victories away from potentially earning a maiden berth at the T20 World Cup—a moment that could redefine the future of women’s cricket in the Himalayan nation.