An unbeaten half-century from Natthakan Chantham gave Thailand victory over hosts Nepal on the opening day of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier.
Chantham’s 57 not out helped Thailand to an eight-wicket victory, while Sharmin Akhter was similarly impressive with the bat for Bangladesh in their 21-run win over the USA.
Later in the day, Ireland picked up a 41-run win over Papua New Guinea (PNG) as Orla Prendergast caught the eye with bat and ball.
In the last match of the day, the Netherlands defended a modest target as they beat Zimbabwe by 22 runs despite Christabel Chatonzwa’s five-wicket haul.
Bangladesh off to strong start
Sharmin Akhter and Nahida Akter starred with bat and ball to see Bangladesh to a 21-run opening victory over the USA.
Sharmin seized the initiative in the Bangladeshi innings after they had been put in by the Americans, smashing a blistering 63 off just 39 deliveries to help them to 158 for five from their 20 overs, adding 63 with Sobhana Mostary (32).
Maahi Madhavan was the pick of the American bowlers, taking three for 23, including the wicket of Sharmin.
Disha Dhingra (23) and Chetna Pagydyala (36) made a strong start in the chase, but after their 42-run opening stand was broken by Rabeya Khan, wickets fell at regular intervals.
Eventually the USA finished on 137 for nine from their 20 overs, with Nahida ( four wickets for 24) taking the crucial wicket of Ritu Singh after she had blasted 33 off 13 balls.
Thailand cruise past hosts
A brilliant knock from Natthakan Chantham saw Thailand to a comprehensive, eight-wicket win over Nepal in Kirtipur.
Bindu Rawal had made 44 for Nepal after they were put into batted first, losing their final wicket on the last ball of the innings as they were bowled out for 122.
Thipatcha Putthawong broke an opening stand of 52 on her way to figures of four for 27, and that was followed by a fine chase.
Chantham added 66 with Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (28) before she was joined by keeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai (32), with the pair adding 47.
While Koncharoenkai fell with the target in sight, Chantham guided Thailand home with an unbeaten 57.
Chatonzwa heroics in vain for Zimbabwe
Christabel Chatonzwa took the first five-wicket haul of the competition but it was not enough for Zimbabwe to avoid defeat against the Netherlands.
Despite being restricted to 122 all out by Chatonzwa’s five for 22, the Dutch still ended up winners by 22 runs.
Phebe Molkenboer’s 27 and a further 26 from Sterre Kalis helped them to what proved a challenging total.
In reply, Zimbabwe quickly found themselves in trouble at 25 for four as the wickets were shared among the Dutch bowlers.
Chatonzwa did her best with the bat, making 15 not out, alongside Nyasha Gwanzura, who scored 27 off 16, but Isabel Van Der Woning took two wickets in three balls and Zimbabwe’s hopes went with them.
Lewis and Prendergast fire Ireland past PNG
Experienced duo Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast set up a 41-run win over PNG in Kathmandu.
Skipper Lewis hit 42 off just 25 balls at the top of the order, before number three Prendergast added 56 before she was stumped off the bowling of Hane Tau, PNG’s standout with the ball as she took four for 25.
Prendergast followed up her half-century with a fine bowling performance even though she did not pick up a wicket.
The all-rounder went for just nine runs from her four overs, with PNG struggling to keep the run-rate ticking over.
Arlene Kelly (two for 18) removed opener Hollan Doriga, who top-scored with 19 and Ireland eventually ran out comfortable winners.
Scores in brief
Nepal v Thailand – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Nepal 122 all out in 20 overs (Bindu Rawal 44, Samjhana Khadka 26; Thipatcha Putthawong 4/27, Onnicha Kamchomphu 2/24)
Thailand 125/2 in 16.5 overs (Natthakan Chantham 57 not out, Nannapat Koncharoenkai 32; Sita Magar 2/20, Suman Bista 0/11)
Result: Thailand won by 8 wickets
USA v Bangladesh – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Bangladesh 158/5 in 20 overs (Sharmin Akhter 63, Sobhana Mostary 32; Maahi Madhavan 3/23, Isani Vaghela 2/26)
USA 137/9 in 20 overs (Chetna Pagydyala 36, Ritu Singh 33; Nahida Akter 4/24, Ritu Moni 3/24)
Result: Bangladesh won by 21 runs
Zimbabwe v Netherlands – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Netherlands 122 all out in 19 overs (Phebe Molkenboer 27, Sterre Kalis 26; Christabel Chatonzwa 5/22, Lindokuhle Mabhero 1/15)
Zimbabwe 100/8 in 20 overs (Nyasha Gwanzura 27, Chiedza Dhururu 16; Isabel van der Woning 2/4, Robine Rijke 1/6)
Result: Netherlands won by 22 runs
Ireland v Papua New Guinea – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Ireland 146/6 in 20 overs (Orla Prendergast 56, Gaby Lewis 42; Hane Tau 4/25, Mairi Tom 1/20)
Papua New Guinea 105/6 in 20 overs (Hollan Doriga 19, Isabel Toua 16 not out; Arlene Kelly 2/18, Laura Delany 1/11)
Result: Ireland won by 41 runs
Stone Boomstick
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