Day 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 delivered a full dose of drama, with Thailand, the Netherlands and the USA all sealing tight wins in matches that went deep into the final overs. Thailand held their nerve in the closest finish of the day, beating Zimbabwe by one run, while the Netherlands defended successfully against Scotland and the USA chased down Namibia with four balls to spare.
Bangladesh were the only side to secure a more comfortable result, beating Papua New Guinea by 30 runs to make it two wins from two in Group A.
Netherlands hold off Scotland in Kirtipur thriller
The Netherlands defended 157/6 in a tense finish at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, beating Scotland by seven runs.
Batting first, Sterre Kalis produced a match-winning knock, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 60 balls, striking 14 fours and a six. With the Dutch slipping early at 27/2, Kalis anchored the innings almost single-handedly, as no other batter crossed 18.
Scotland’s chase stayed alive through solid partnerships led by Katherine Fraser (41), skipper Kathryn Bryce (42) and Sarah Bryce (30). Scotland needed 11 off the last over, but Heather Siegers delivered under pressure, conceding just three runs to close out the contest.
Claridge leads USA home after Namibia’s strong total
In Kathmandu, the USA pulled off a composed chase to defeat Namibia by four wickets, reaching 145/6 in 19.2 overs.
Namibia rode a classy innings from Yasmeen Khan, who hammered 74 off 47 balls with 11 fours and 2 sixes, guiding her side to 144/6. USA pacer Tara Norris starred with the ball, picking up 3/34, while Isani Vaghela impressed with 2/15 in a tight spell.
The chase looked shaky at 75/4 in the 14th over, but Ella Claridge held firm and shifted gears at the death. She scored a superb 70 off 51, setting the platform before falling near the finish. Ritu Singh (21 off 10) then played the decisive cameo as the USA crossed the line with four balls remaining.
Thailand survive last-ball chaos to beat Zimbabwe by 1 run
The closest game of the day came at Mulpani Cricket Ground, where Thailand defended 115/7 to win by one run, making it two wins from two.
Thailand lost a wicket on the second ball, but wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai held the innings together with 54 off 52 balls. Natthakan Chantham provided a late push with 26, including two sixes, before Zimbabwe fought back strongly through Audrey Mazvishaya (2/21) and Adel Zimunu (2/22).
Chasing 116, Zimbabwe suffered an early setback as opener Beloved Biza was run out without facing. Modester Mupachikwa (36) and Kelis Ndhlovu (28) kept the chase alive, taking the equation to 9 needed off the last over.
Zimbabwe required 2 off the final ball, but Thailand produced the moment of the tournament so far — Nyasha Gwanzura hit straight back to bowler Phannita Maya, who completed a crucial run-out to seal an unforgettable one-run victory.
Bangladesh cruise past PNG to go two from two
Bangladesh remained unbeaten in Group A with a dominant 30-run win over Papua New Guinea after posting 168/5.
The innings was built through early contributions from Dilara Akter (35) and Sharmin Akhter (28), before an explosive late surge. Shorna Akter smashed 37 off just 14 balls with four sixes, and Sobhana Mostary finished unbeaten on 34 off 24.
PNG were in the hunt at 98/2 in the 14th over, but the dismissal of captain Brenda Tau (35) shifted the momentum. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly — six bowlers picked up one each — as PNG were restricted to 138/9.
Scores in brief
Zimbabwe vs Thailand — Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Thailand 115/7 (20 overs) — Nannapat Koncharoenkai 54, Natthakan Chantham 26; Audrey Mazvishaya 2/21, Adel Zimunu 2/22
Zimbabwe 114/6 (20 overs) — Modester Mupachikwa 36, Kelis Ndhlovu 28; Thipatcha Putthawong 2/27
Thailand won by 1 run
Papua New Guinea vs Bangladesh — TU Ground, Kirtipur
Bangladesh 168/5 (20 overs) — Shorna Akter 37, Dilara Akter 35
PNG 138/9 (20 overs) — Brenda Tau 35, Sibona Jimmy 28
Bangladesh won by 30 runs
Scotland vs Netherlands — TU Ground, Kirtipur
Netherlands 157/6 (20 overs) — Sterre Kallis 87*; Rachel Slater 3/24
Scotland 150/5 (20 overs) — Kathryn Bryce 42, Katherine Fraser 41
Netherlands won by 7 runs
Namibia vs USA — Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Namibia 144/6 (20 overs) — Yasmeen Khan 74; Tara Norris 3/34
USA 145/6 (19.2 overs) — Ella Claridge 70, Ritu Singh 21
USA won by 4 wickets
