KATHMANDU, May 20: In the final match of the Super 3 stage of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, host nation Thailand defeated Nepal by 78 runs.
Despite the loss, both Nepal and Thailand had already secured their spots in the global qualifiers by finishing in the top two of the Super 3 stage. With today's victory, Thailand emerged as the winner of the Asia Qualifier.
Chasing a target of 159 runs set by Thailand, Nepal managed to score only 80 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs.
Nepal qualifies for ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier...
For Nepal, Kabita Kunwar scored 24 runs, Rajmati Airee remained unbeaten on 20, and Rubina Chhetri contributed 12 runs. None of the other batters were able to reach double figures.
In bowling, Thailand’s Onnicha Kamchomphu delivered a standout performance by taking a hat-trick and claiming 4 wickets in total. She completed her hat-trick in the 19th over by dismissing Roma Thapa, Ishwori Bist, and Riya Sharma in three consecutive deliveries.
After winning the toss on Tuesday morning, Nepal chose to field first. Batting first, Thailand posted a total of 158 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.
For Thailand, opener Nattaya Boochatham scored a half-century, making 50 runs off 42 balls, including 5 boundaries. The other opener, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, contributed 29 runs, while Chanida Sutthiruang remained unbeaten on 50 runs, helping Thailand set a strong total.
In bowling, Nepal’s Manisha Upadhayay and Rajmati Airee took one wicket each.
Earlier, on Monday, Nepal had defeated the UAE by 5 wickets in the Super 3 stage, securing a spot in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier for the first time in history.
Nepal will now compete in the global qualifiers later this year. A total of 10 teams will participate in the tournament, and the top 4 teams will qualify for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in England.
