Nepal Women’s Cricket: A Tough Campaign at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier

scotland women vs nepal women: Nepal’s women’s cricket team experienced a deeply disappointing exit from the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, bowing out of the competition following a heavy defeat to Scotland in their final Group B match. Their hopes of advancing to the next stage were dashed after a series of competitive but ultimately unsuccessful performances at home in Nepal.

The journey of the Nepalese women on home soil was full of promise but ended in frustration, showing both their potential and the shortcomings that must be addressed if they are to compete consistently at the highest level in international women’s cricket.

The Stakes: World Cup Qualification on Home Ground

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 is a marquee event in the women’s international cricket calendar. Held in Nepal from January to February 2026, the tournament serves as the final qualifying stage for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with the top four teams earning a ticket to play in the main event scheduled in England and Wales later in the year.

Nepal qualified for the global qualifier through the regional Asia qualifier, where they finished as one of the top teams, demonstrating strength and growth in women’s cricket in the region.

With the tournament hosted in Kathmandu and surrounding grounds, the Nepal team had the advantages of familiar conditions and passionate local support — factors that many believed would help bolster their chances of success.

Early Setbacks: Two Close Defeats

Despite the home advantage, Nepal’s campaign began with disappointment.

Loss to Thailand

In their opening match on January 18, Nepal posted a competitive total of 122 runs but were unable to defend it as Thailand chased it down effectively, winning by eight wickets. Thai batter Natthakan Chantham played an excellent innings to guide her team to victory, while Thipatcha Putthawong’s four-wicket haul highlighted the challenge Nepal’s batters faced.

This early setback indicated that Nepal’s batting lineup had vulnerabilities, especially against disciplined bowling attacks.

Narrow Defeat to the Netherlands

In their second match, Nepal faced the Netherlands in a nail-biter that ended in heartbreak. The Dutch side edged out Nepal by just two runs after a dramatic finish.

Despite fighting hard, Nepal’s inability to finish strong underscored a recurring theme in their campaign — close opportunities slipping away. While the team showed fight, the inability to convert promising moments into wins placed them under early pressure.

These early losses meant that Nepal would need to win their remaining matches to keep qualification hopes alive.

The Scotland Match: A Crucial Clash

Match Overview

On January 26, 2026, Nepal played their final Group B match against Scotland at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur — a game that would decide their fate in the qualifier.

Scotland won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that set the stage for a commanding performance.

Scotland’s Innings: A Strong Response

Scotland posted a solid total of 140 runs in 20 overs, led by key performances from their middle order. While early wickets fell cheaply, Scotland rebuilt steadily and capitalized on scoring opportunities.

Standout performances included an impactful knock from Priyanaz Chatterji, who remained not out on 45 runs and anchored the innings under pressure.

Bowling for Nepal was fierce at times — particularly from Manisha Upadhayay, who took figures of 4 for 17, and skipper Rubina Chhetry, who also chipped in with multiple wickets. However, Scotland’s batting depth and tactical approach ensured they put up a competitive total.

Nepal’s Chase: A Struggle Under Pressure

Chasing 141 for victory, Nepal’s batting lineup failed to find momentum. They were restricted to just 68 runs in 13.5 overs, resulting in a 72-run defeat — the worst batting performance of their tournament.

Only a few batters managed double-digit scores, with Bindu Rawal top-scoring for Nepal with a modest 14 runs, while Roma Thapa finished unbeaten on 14.

Scotland’s bowling attack, featuring Abtaha Maqsood (3 for 14) along with disciplined spells from Kathryn Bryce and Katherine Fraser, did not allow Nepal’s batters to settle or build partnerships.

Bowling Highlights and Tactical Insights

While Nepal’s batting faltered, their bowling showed glimpses of quality. The team’s bowlers struck early in the Scottish innings, but Scotland’s experienced middle order rebuilt steadily, showcasing tactical awareness and patience.

Strong Individual Performances

Manisha Upadhayay excelled with her four wickets, proving a constant threat.
Rubina Chhetry, a veteran leader, provided crucial breakthroughs throughout the campaign.
Scotland’s bowling unit consistently maintained pressure through disciplined lines, preventing Nepal from scoring freely.

Nepal’s bowling did create opportunities and remove key opposition batters, but lacked the sustained pressure required in a must-win situation.

Why Nepal Fell Short: A Closer Look

1. Batting Inconsistency

The Nepalese women struggled to post defendable totals or chase targets in key moments. Repeated collapses and lack of partnerships proved costly throughout the tournament.

The failure to convert starts into substantial scores highlighted areas requiring improvement, particularly against disciplined bowling attacks.

2. Pressure Situations

In crucial phases of the tournament, Nepal failed to handle pressure scenarios. Close losses, like the narrow defeat against the Netherlands and the heavy loss to Scotland, suggest issues with game management and strategic decision-making under pressure.

3. Experience and Depth

While Nepal fielded a competitive side, depth in batting and experience proved decisive in matches against seasoned sides like Scotland. The margin of loss in the final match highlighted the difference in execution levels between the teams.

Nepal’s Positive Moments

Despite the disappointing outcome, the tournament did have bright spots for Nepal.

Competitive Spirit

Nepal showed resilience in several matches. The fight against the Netherlands showcased their ability to compete fiercely, even if the result didn’t go their way.

Bowling Credentials

Several bowlers, including Upadhayay and Chhetry, showed strong individual performances that can form the core of Nepal’s bowling strength going forward.

Growth and Exposure

Playing at home provided invaluable experience for Nepalese players. Exposure to international competition under pressure will contribute to long-term development in women’s cricket in Nepal.

Voices from the Camp: Hope Amid Disappointment

Despite the early exit, senior players remained optimistic about the future and the growth of women’s cricket in Nepal. Earlier in the tournament, after a narrow defeat, Rubina Chhetry expressed belief in the team’s improvement and fighting spirit, emphasizing learning from mistakes and aiming to perform better in remaining matches.

This attitude reflects the team’s belief that while results didn’t go their way, the process of growth and improvement remains ongoing.

Looking Ahead: What Nepal Needs Next

The outcomes of the 2026 qualifier offer several lessons for the Cricket Association of Nepal and the women’s team:

1. Strengthening Batting Depth

Consistent run-scoring and partnerships are essential to compete effectively on the global stage.

2. Mental Conditioning

Training for pressure scenarios and situational strategies could help Nepal avoid narrow defeats in future tournaments.

3. Continued Skill Development

Exposure tours, international series, and priority on player development will be vital for long-term competitiveness.

4. Strategic Leadership

Enhancing tactical awareness and on-field decision-making could make Nepal more formidable against higher-ranked sides.

Conclusion: A Tournament of Lessons and Potential

The 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier was a challenging chapter for Nepal’s women’s team. While the campaign ended in disappointment with a heavy loss to Scotland and elimination from the tournament, the experience gained on home soil is invaluable.

Nepal showcased glimpses of competitive spirit and individual brilliance, but inconsistency in batting and pressure management ultimately cost them a place in the Super Six stage and the opportunity to advance toward the World Cup.

As supporters reflect on the campaign, the broader story is one of growth — a young team learning how to compete at the highest levels. With focused development and strategic improvements, Nepal’s women’s cricket has the potential to return stronger in future global qualifiers.