Nepal Suffer Eight-Wicket Defeat to Thailand in Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier Opener

Nepal suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat against Thailand in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier on Sunday.

After losing the toss and batting first, Nepal were bowled out for 122 runs in their allotted 20 overs at the TU Cricket International Ground, Kirtipur. Thailand comfortably chased down the modest target, reaching 123 for 2 in just 16.5 overs.

Thailand’s victory was led by Nattakan Chantham, who played an unbeaten half-century. She scored 57 runs off 39 balls, hitting one six and nine fours. Nanapat Koncharoenkai added 32 runs, while Apisara Suwanchonrathi contributed 28.

For Nepal, Sita Rana Magar claimed two wickets, but the rest of the bowling attack failed to apply pressure.

Earlier, Nepal got off to a strong start through Samjhana Khadka and Bindu Rawal, who added 54 runs within the first six overs. However, Nepal’s innings collapsed after Khadka’s dismissal, with wickets falling regularly in the middle order.

Khadka scored a quick 26 off just 11 balls, including six fours. Rawal top-scored for Nepal with 44 runs off 56 balls, hitting six fours. This was also Rawal’s highest individual score in international cricket, surpassing her previous best of an unbeaten 28 against Kuwait in 2019.

Vice-captain Pooja Mahato scored 12 off 17 balls, captain Indu Barma made 6 off 6, and Kabita Kunwar was dismissed for 2. Former captain Rubina Chhetry scored 17 runs, including two sixes and a four, while Kabita Joshi made 3 off 7 balls.

Lower-order batters failed to contribute, with Sita Rana Magar and Suman Bisht dismissed for ducks, while Riya Sharma scored 4.

Thailand’s bowling attack was led by Thipatcha Putthawong, who took four wickets for 27 runs in four overs. Onnicha Kamchomphu supported well with two wickets for 24 runs.

Nepal have not beaten Thailand since 2011 and continue their winless run against them. Last year, Nepal lost all three matches against Thailand in a triangular series. In March last year, both Thailand and Nepal qualified for this tournament as winners and runners-up respectively at the Asia Qualifier held in Bangkok.

Nepal are placed in Group B of the 10-team tournament alongside Thailand, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, and Scotland. Following this match, Nepal will face the Netherlands on January 22, Zimbabwe on January 24, and Scotland on January 26. Nepal will be playing Zimbabwe and Scotland for the first time.

Group A consists of Bangladesh, Ireland, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, and the United States. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage. After facing each other in the Super Six, the top four teams will qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England and Wales in June–July.

In warm-up matches ahead of the tournament, Nepal suffered defeats against Ireland by 99 runs and against the United States by six wickets.