Scotland and USA clinch Super Six spots as Nepal bow out in Kathmandu
Day five of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier delivered decisive results, with Scotland and the United States sealing their places in the Super Six stage through crucial victories in Nepal. Meanwhile, Netherlands and Ireland strengthened their momentum with composed performances to finish the group phase on a high.
Scotland overpower Nepal to stay alive
Scotland ended Nepal’s World Cup qualification hopes with a commanding all-round display, underlining their depth and composure under pressure. Sent in to bat, Scotland were rocked early at 17 for 3 before Priyanaz Chatterji’s unbeaten 45 off 28 balls anchored a strong recovery, lifting the total to a competitive 140.
Nepal never truly threatened in the chase. Their top order collapsed, and the innings suffered a major blow when captain Indu Barma retired hurt and was stretchered off, causing concern among players and spectators alike. Only three Nepal batters reached double figures as they finished 72 runs short, confirming their exit from the tournament. Scotland progressed to the Super Six alongside Netherlands and Thailand from Group B.
USA script history with Super Six qualification
The United States booked a maiden Super Six berth, defeating Papua New Guinea (PNG) by five wickets in a landmark win. After PNG posted 110 for 5, built around Konio Oala’s 41, USA’s bowlers laid the platform, led by Lekha Shetty’s impressive 3 for 27.
Openers Gargi Bhogle (35) and Chetna Pagydyala (32) provided a steady start, before Ritu Singh’s late cameo guided the chase home with two overs to spare. The result confirmed USA’s progression from Group A alongside Ireland and Bangladesh.
Netherlands edge Thailand in tense low-scoring clash
Netherlands finished top of Group B after grinding out a 17-run win over Thailand in a low-scoring encounter. Early wickets put the Dutch under pressure, but captain Babette de Leede’s 47 steadied the innings and pushed them to 107 for 8.
Thailand’s chase flickered with hope through Natthakan Chantham (26) and Naruemol Chaiwai (33), but Isabel van de Woning’s four-wicket haul dismantled the middle order and swung the game firmly in Netherlands’ favour. Despite the loss, Thailand secured the final Super Six spot from the group.
Ireland cruise past Namibia
Ireland rounded off the group stage with a seven-wicket victory over Namibia, finishing second in Group A. Namibia’s innings never gained traction after early losses, with Jane Maguire (3 for 31) and Lara McBride (3 for 17) applying consistent pressure to restrict them to 107 for 8.
The chase was straightforward, led by captain Gaby Lewis (33), Orla Prendergast (39) and an unbeaten Leah Paul (27*), as Ireland wrapped up the win inside 15 overs.
Looking ahead
The Super Six stage begins on Wednesday (28), with Netherlands facing USA and Ireland set to clash with Scotland. With qualification stakes rising, the tournament now moves into its most competitive phase as teams edge closer to a place at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Super Six fixtures:
- January 27 – Scotland v Ireland, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 09h00 local time
- January 27 – Thailand v Bangladesh, Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, 09h00 local time
- January 27 – USA v Netherlands, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 13h00 local time
- January 30 – Bangladesh v Scotland, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 09h00 local time
- January 30 – Ireland v Netherlands, Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, 09h00 local time
- January 30 – USA v Thailand, Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, 13h00 local time
- February 1 – Ireland v Thailand, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 09h00 local time
- February 1 – Bangladesh v Netherlands, Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, 09h00 local time
- February 1 – Scotland v USA, Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 13h00 local time
