Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier Day 4: Scotland Leapfrogs Thailand, Bangladesh Stays Unbeaten

The fourth day of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier produced gripping encounters that reshaped the tournament standings. Bangladesh maintained their perfect record, Scotland executed a crucial upset, and both hosts Nepal and Papua New Guinea celebrated breakthrough victories.

Scotland Stuns Thailand with Clinical Chase

Thailand's Batting Effort Falls Short

Scotland won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The Scottish bowlers struck early, claiming three wickets inside the opening eight overs to put Thailand on the back foot.

Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai refused to surrender, orchestrating a vital 57-run partnership with Chanida Sutthiruang. Katherine Fraser eventually broke through, but Chaiwai's resilience shone as she compiled an outstanding 73 off 55 balls, guiding Thailand to 118/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Fraser and Bryce Lead Scotland Home

Thailand's bowlers initially replicated Scotland's early success, dismissing Darcey Carter and Kathryn Bryce cheaply. However, Fraser and Sarah Bryce launched a devastating counter-attack, putting together a match-defining 67-run partnership.

Fraser contributed a blistering 41 off 31 balls before falling, but Sarah Bryce remained composed, steering Scotland to victory with an unbeaten 52 off just 35 deliveries. The five-wicket win propelled Scotland above Thailand in the points table, significantly improving their qualification prospects.

Papua New Guinea Secures Nail-Biting Victory Over Namibia

Namibia Posts Competitive Total

In a crucial Group B encounter, Namibia batted first and posted 122/5 from their 20 overs. Jurriene Diergaardt anchored the innings from the top of the order, contributing a measured 36 off 41 deliveries. Sibona Jimmy was the pick of the PNG bowlers, claiming impressive figures of 2/18 from her two overs.

PNG's Openers Set the Platform

Papua New Guinea's run chase received a flying start courtesy of openers Hollan Doriga and Konio Oala. Their explosive 58-run opening partnership tilted the match firmly in PNG's favor. Doriga was particularly aggressive, smashing 39 off just 25 balls, while Oala provided solid support with 20 off 18.

Despite Namibia's bowlers fighting back and creating tension in the closing overs, PNG held their nerve to complete the chase with two balls and three wickets remaining. This vital victory keeps their Super Six hopes alive ahead of a must-win fixture against the USA.

Bangladesh Maintains Perfect Record Against Resilient Ireland

Akhter's Half-Century Powers Bangladesh

Bangladesh's batting unit delivered another polished performance, built around a crucial 70-run second-wicket partnership between Dilara Akter and Sharmin Akhter. Akter contributed a brisk 35 off 27 deliveries, while Akhter anchored the innings with an accomplished 52 off 45 balls.

Lara McBride eventually broke the partnership in the 12th over, but Sobhana Mostary's explosive cameo of 30 off just 16 balls propelled Bangladesh to an imposing 153/7.

Hunter's Injury Opens Door for Bangladesh

Ireland's response began positively with Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter dominating the early overs. However, the match turned when Hunter was forced to retire hurt on 25, with Ireland cruising at 53/0.

Bangladesh seized the momentum shift, with Shorna Akter delivering a game-changing over that removed both Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul. Laura Delaney attempted to steady the ship but was run out with Ireland still requiring 36 from 15 balls.

Lewis fought valiantly, crafting an exceptional 73 before her dismissal effectively ended Ireland's hopes. Hunter returned to add 10 more runs, but Ireland fell agonizingly short by 9 runs.

Bangladesh have now topped Group A with four wins from four matches, while Ireland sit second on four points with one game remaining.

Nepal Celebrates First Win Against Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's Middle-Order Fires

Hosts Nepal inserted Zimbabwe after winning the toss and struck early, dismissing captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano. However, Beloved Biza and Kelis Ndhlovu provided substantial resistance. Biza played an anchoring role with 34 off 35 balls, while Ndhlovu was more aggressive, blasting 52 off 36 deliveries.

Riya Sharma's two quick wickets halted Zimbabwe's momentum, restricting them to 129/6.

Mahato Guides Nepal to Historic Win

Nepal's chase was anchored by the composed Puja Mahato, who received early support from Bindu Rawal before Christabel Chatonzwa intervened. Captain Indu Barma contributed a valuable 22, but it was Mahato's unbeaten innings that proved decisive.

The hosts completed their first win of the tournament with a six-wicket victory and three balls to spare, delighting the home crowd and keeping their qualification dreams alive.

Tournament Implications and Road Ahead

Group Standings Take Shape

Day 4 has significantly clarified the qualification picture:

• Bangladesh have confirmed their position as Group A winners with a flawless four-match record
• Scotland leapfrogged Thailand into a stronger qualification position
• Nepal and Papua New Guinea remain in contention after securing crucial first victories
• Zimbabwe have lost all their group matches and are eliminated from Super Six contention

Key Upcoming Fixtures

The final group stage matches will determine the Super Six qualifiers. Papua New Guinea face a must-win encounter against the USA, while Nepal's clash with Scotland could prove decisive for both nations' advancement hopes.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament progresses toward its knockout stages, the competition intensity continues to rise. Bangladesh have established themselves as the team to beat, while Scotland's victory over Thailand demonstrates the fine margins separating success from disappointment in qualifier cricket.

The hosts Nepal will carry significant momentum into their remaining fixture, while Papua New Guinea's dramatic win against Namibia proves that no result can be taken for granted in this unpredictable tournament.