Nepal Women opened their account at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 with a morale-boosting win over Test-playing Zimbabwe, beating them by six wickets in Kirtipur. Nepal completed the chase with three balls to spare, sealing a much-needed result ahead of their crucial final group fixture.
Put in to bat first, Zimbabwe lost captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano early, but Beloved Biza and Kelis Ndhlovu steadied the innings with key contributions. Biza anchored the effort with 34 off 35 balls, while Ndhlovu lifted the tempo with a brisk 52 off 36, keeping Zimbabwe on course for a competitive total.
Nepal hit back strongly through Riya Sharma, whose double strike shifted momentum at a critical stage, as Zimbabwe were restricted to 129/6 in 20 overs.
In reply, Nepal made a steady start through Bindu Rawal and Puja Mahato, setting the platform for the chase. Rawal was dismissed, but Mahato continued to bat with composure and control, rotating strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries to keep the required rate in check.
Captain Indu Barma added an important 22, ensuring Nepal didn't lose momentum in the middle phase, before Mahato stayed unbeaten to guide the chase home as Nepal reached 133/4 in 19.3 overs. Puja Mahato's 52 also extended her growing impact in WT20Is — she now has three 50+ scores for Nepal Women, the most by a Nepali batter, moving past Rubina Chhetri's previous record.
The win keeps Nepal alive in the group race, while Zimbabwe's defeat confirmed a disappointing campaign with losses in all their group matches.
It was also a landmark day for Sita Rana Magar, who completed 1,000 WT20I runs, becoming one of Nepal's most consistent run-getters in the format.
