The Netherlands and Bangladesh confirmed their places at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on a dramatic Day 5 of the Global Qualifier, becoming the first two teams to progress to the marquee event scheduled for June. Both sides sit atop the Super Six standings with eight points each, leaving Scotland, Ireland, USA and Thailand fighting for the remaining two qualification spots.
History was made as the Netherlands secured their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup appearance, defeating the USA by 21 runs via the DLS method in a rain-affected encounter. Bangladesh, meanwhile, continued their dominant run in the tournament, overcoming Thailand to maintain a perfect record in the Super Six.
Scotland strengthen qualification bid with statement win
Scotland boosted their World Cup hopes with a commanding 39-run victory over Ireland, posting a challenging 160 for 5 before bowling the Irish out for 121 in the final over.
Kathryn Bryce starred with the ball, returning figures of 4 for 21, while Ireland captain Gaby Lewis fought a lone battle with 41 off 37 balls. Earlier, Sarah Bryce’s fluent 47 off 31 deliveries anchored Scotland’s innings, supported by timely contributions throughout the order.
Scotland now face a stern test against Bangladesh, while Ireland’s qualification hopes hinge on a must-win clash against the Netherlands.
Bangladesh march into World Cup with fifth straight win
Bangladesh booked their World Cup berth in emphatic fashion, overpowering Thailand to register their fifth consecutive Super Six victory.
A superb 110-run third-wicket partnership between Sobhana Mostary (59 off 42) and Juairiya Ferdous (56 off 45) propelled Bangladesh to a formidable 165 for 8. Thailand responded bravely but were held to 126 for 8, with Bangladesh’s bowlers sharing wickets to maintain control throughout the chase.
Netherlands create history with DLS win over USA
The Netherlands completed a landmark day by defeating the USA in a rain-curtailed match, sealing qualification for a women’s World Cup in any format for the first time in 25 years.
After choosing to field, the Dutch bowlers applied sustained pressure to restrict the USA to 129 for 7, with Hannah Landheer claiming 3 for 30 and Heather Sigers conceding just 19 runs. Gargi Bhogle (36) and Isani Vaghela (32*) offered resistance for the Americans.
In reply, Phebe Molkenboer’s unbeaten 46 guided the Netherlands to 90 for 2 in 12 overs before rain intervened, with the DLS method confirming a 21-run victory and sparking jubilant celebrations.
With two qualification spots now filled, the final days of the Global Qualifier promise a tense battle, as Scotland, Ireland, USA and Thailand chase their place on women’s cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
