The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier got underway in Nepal on Sunday with Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands registering opening-day victories across Kathmandu and Kirtipur.
Bangladesh’s Sharmin Akhter produced a dominant half-century to set up a 21-run win over the USA, while Ireland outclassed Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 41 runs thanks to strong contributions from Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast. In the final game of the day, the Netherlands defended a modest total to beat Zimbabwe by 22 runs, despite a five-wicket haul from Zimbabwe’s Christabel Chatonzwa.
Sharmin powers Bangladesh to 21-run win over USA
Bangladesh started their campaign in style after being asked to bat first at Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.
Opener Sharmin Akhter took control early, blasting 63 off 39 balls, and combining in a key 63-run stand with Sobhana Mostary (32) as Bangladesh posted a competitive 158/5 in 20 overs.
USA’s Maahi Madhavan stood out with the ball, claiming 3/23, including the prized wicket of Sharmin.
In reply, USA began positively through Disha Dhingra (23) and Chetna Pagydyala (36), but once the opening partnership was broken, Bangladesh tightened the screws with regular breakthroughs.
Spinner Nahida Akter led the bowling effort brilliantly with 4/24, while Ritu Moni (3/24) provided excellent support as the USA finished on 137/9, falling short by 21 runs.
Lewis and Prendergast help Ireland cruise past PNG
Ireland produced a commanding performance against PNG at Upper Mulpani, setting up a comfortable 41-run victory.
Captain Gaby Lewis provided the perfect start at the top, scoring a brisk 42 off 25 balls, before Orla Prendergast anchored the innings with 56 as Ireland reached 146/6.
PNG’s Hane Tau was the standout performer with the ball, picking up 4/25 to keep Ireland from accelerating further in the death overs.
Chasing 147, PNG struggled to maintain momentum against Ireland’s disciplined attack. Prendergast was particularly impressive, conceding just 9 runs in 4 overs, applying constant pressure even without taking a wicket.
Arlene Kelly (2/18) made key strikes early, including removing PNG’s top-scorer Hollan Doriga (19), as PNG ended on 105/6 in 20 overs.
Netherlands beat Zimbabwe despite Chatonzwa’s five-for
Zimbabwe’s Christabel Chatonzwa made history by registering the first five-wicket haul of the tournament, but her effort wasn’t enough to prevent defeat against the Netherlands in Kirtipur.
Chatonzwa’s brilliant spell of 5/22 helped restrict the Dutch to 122 all out in 19 overs, with Phebe Molkenboer (27) and Sterre Kalis (26) top-scoring.
However, the Netherlands responded with a sharp bowling performance of their own, reducing Zimbabwe to 25/4 early in the chase and controlling the match from there.
Zimbabwe’s late push, led by Nyasha Gwanzura (27 off 16) and Chatonzwa’s 15 not out*, wasn’t enough as Isabel van der Woning swung the game decisively with 2 wickets in 3 balls. Zimbabwe closed at 100/8, handing the Netherlands a 22-run win.
Scores in brief
USA vs Bangladesh – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Bangladesh 158/5 (20 overs)
Sharmin Akhter 63, Sobhana Mostary 32; Maahi Madhavan 3/23, Isani Vaghela 2/26USA 137/9 (20 overs)
Chetna Pagydyala 36, Ritu Singh 33; Nahida Akter 4/24, Ritu Moni 3/24Bangladesh won by 21 runs
Ireland vs Papua New Guinea – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Ireland 146/6 (20 overs)
Orla Prendergast 56, Gaby Lewis 42; Hane Tau 4/25, Mairi Tom 1/20Papua New Guinea 105/6 (20 overs)
Hollan Doriga 19, Isabel Toua 16*; Arlene Kelly 2/18, Laura Delany 1/11Ireland won by 41 runs
Zimbabwe vs Netherlands – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Netherlands 122 all out (19 overs)
Phebe Molkenboer 27, Sterre Kalis 26; Christabel Chatonzwa 5/22Zimbabwe 100/8 (20 overs)
Nyasha Gwanzura 27, Chiedza Dhururu 16; Isabel van der Woning 2/4, Robine Rijke 1/6Netherlands won by 22 runs
