Scotland and USA Secure Historic Super Six Berths as Nepal's T20 World Cup Dreams End

Day 5 of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier delivered drama, heartbreak, and historic milestones as Scotland and USA confirmed their places in the Super Six stage. Meanwhile, Netherlands and Ireland strengthened their positions with clinical victories in Nepal.

Scotland Crush Nepal's World Cup Dreams

In a match that will be remembered for its one-sided nature, Scotland delivered a devastating blow to host nation Nepal, winning by a commanding 72 runs to keep their T20 World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Batting Performance: Chatterji Anchors Scottish Recovery

Sent in to bat first, Scotland found themselves in early trouble at 17/3. However, Priyanaz Chatterji rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 45 off just 28 deliveries. Her composed innings in a pressure situation showcased Scotland's batting depth and helped anchor the team to a competitive total of 140.

Bowling Dominance Seals the Win

Scotland's bowlers made light work of the chase, as Nepal's top order crumbled under pressure. The match took a concerning turn when Nepal captain Indu Barma had to retire hurt and was stretchered off the field, bringing play to a halt. Only three Nepalese batters managed double figures as they finished 72 runs short of their target.

Scotland will now join Netherlands and Thailand as Group B's Super Six qualifiers.

USA Achieve Historic Super Six Qualification

In a landmark moment for American cricket, the United States secured their maiden Super Six berth at a Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier with a five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea.

Bowling Sets the Foundation

Lekha Shetty was the star with the ball, claiming impressive figures of 3/27 to restrict Papua New Guinea to 110/5. While Konio Oala contributed a fighting 41 off 40 balls for PNG, Shetty's spell proved decisive in limiting the damage.

Clinical Chase Seals History

The American openers set the tone for the chase. Gargi Bhogle (35 off 39) and Chetna Pagydyala (32 off 34) took the attack to the opposition, building a solid platform. Ritu Singh's late cameo ensured USA reached their target with two overs to spare.

USA will join Ireland and Bangladesh as Super Six qualifiers from Group A.

Netherlands Maintain Perfect Record Against Thailand

In a low-scoring encounter, Netherlands topped Group B with a 17-run victory over Thailand, remaining undefeated in the tournament.

Batting Struggles Before de Leede's Rescue Act

The Dutch were in trouble early, losing Phebe Molkenboer and Heather Siegers within the first four overs. Captain Babette de Leede took charge with a composed run-a-ball 47 that carried her team past the 100-run mark to finish at 107/8.

Sunida Chaturongrattana was Thailand's best performer with the ball, claiming three wickets, while Phannita Maya picked up two.

Van De Woning's Four-Wicket Haul Proves Decisive

Iris Zwilling gave Netherlands the perfect start with the ball, claiming two wickets in the opening over. Though Natthakan Chantham (26) and captain Naruemol Chaiwai (33) threatened to revive Thailand's chase with gritty knocks, Isabel Van De Woning ran through the middle order with a match-winning four-wicket haul.

Despite the defeat, Thailand qualified for the Super Six in third spot from Group B.

Ireland Cruise Past Namibia

Ireland secured second place in Group A with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Namibia in their final group stage match.

Bowling Excellence Restricts Namibia

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Namibia lost openers Jurriene Diergaardt and Yasmeen Khan without scoring. While Kayleen Green, Merczerly Gorases, and Wilka Mwatile attempted to rebuild, Jane Maguire and Lara McBride consistently broke partnerships, restricting Namibia to 107/8.

Irish Top Order Dominates Chase

Captain Gaby Lewis (33), Orla Prendergast (39), and Leah Paul (27*) led a clinical chase, reaching the target inside 15 overs. The morale-boosting win sets Ireland up perfectly for the Super Six stage.

Super Six Stage Preview

With the group stage complete, attention now turns to the Super Six, where six teams will battle for coveted spots at the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

Upcoming Fixtures

January 27:

• Scotland v Ireland – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 09:00 local
• Thailand v Bangladesh – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, 09:00 local
• USA v Netherlands – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 13:00 local

January 30:

• Bangladesh v Scotland – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 09:00 local
• Ireland v Netherlands – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, 09:00 local
• USA v Thailand – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, 13:00 local

February 1:

• Ireland v Thailand – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 09:00 local
• Bangladesh v Netherlands – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, 09:00 local
• Scotland v USA – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, 13:00 local

Looking Ahead

The Super Six stage promises intense competition as all six qualifiers fight for their World Cup dreams. Netherlands enter as the only unbeaten team, while USA will look to build on their historic qualification. Scotland's dominant form and Ireland's clinical performances make them dangerous contenders, while Bangladesh and Thailand will aim to spring upsets.

The stakes couldn't be higher as these teams compete for a place at cricket's grandest stage.