Scotland surge, Bangladesh stay perfect, Nepal and PNG register first wins
Day 4 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier in Nepal delivered a decisive shake-up in the standings, as Scotland leapfrogged Thailand, Bangladesh maintained their perfect record, and hosts Nepal and Papua New Guinea (PNG) finally got off the mark, keeping their Super Six hopes alive.
Scotland outclass Thailand to climb points table
Scotland produced a composed all-round performance to defeat Thailand by five wickets and move above them on the table. After opting to bowl, Scotland struck early before Thailand rebuilt through a 57-run stand between Naruemol Chaiwai and Chanida Sutthiruang. Chaiwai carried the innings with a classy 73* off 55 balls, guiding Thailand to 118 for 6.
In reply, Scotland were rocked early, but Katherine Fraser and Sarah Bryce turned the game with a fluent 67-run partnership. Fraser’s brisk 41 off 31 laid the platform before Sarah Bryce sealed the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 35 balls, steering Scotland home with confidence.
Papua New Guinea hold nerve in thriller against Namibia
Papua New Guinea claimed their first victory of the tournament with a tense three-wicket win over Namibia. Namibia posted 122 for 5, led by Jurriene Diergaardt’s 36, while Sibona Jimmy’s 2 for 18 kept PNG in check.
The chase was defined by a blistering opening stand between Hollan Doriga (39 off 25) and Konio Oala (20 off 18). Namibia clawed back late, but PNG held their nerve to cross the line with two balls to spare, keeping their Super Six ambitions alive ahead of a crucial clash with the USA.
Bangladesh stay unbeaten, edge Ireland in tense contest
Bangladesh made it four wins from four, finishing top of Group A after a hard-fought nine-run victory over Ireland. Dilara Akter (35) and Sharmin Akhter (52) laid the foundation before Sobhana Mostary’s rapid 30 pushed Bangladesh to 153 for 7.
Ireland’s chase promised much through Gaby Lewis, who played a superb knock of 73, but the turning point came when Amy Hunter retired hurt at a crucial stage. Despite her return later, Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured Ireland fell just short.
Nepal celebrate first win, Zimbabwe exit winless
Hosts Nepal finally tasted success with a six-wicket win over Zimbabwe, lifting the home crowd. Zimbabwe recovered from early setbacks through Kelis Ndhlovu’s 52* and Beloved Biza’s 34, but Nepal’s bowlers restricted them to 129 for 6.
In response, Puja Mahato anchored the chase with a mature unbeaten innings, supported by captain Indu Barma’s 22, as Nepal sealed victory with three balls remaining. Zimbabwe’s defeat confirmed a winless group stage, while Nepal stay alive heading into a decisive final fixture against Scotland.
Day 4 underlined the depth and competitiveness of the Global Qualifier, with momentum shifting rapidly as teams battle for a place at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
