Nepal and Papua New Guinea (PNG) kept their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier campaign alive after registering dramatic victories in two matches that went right down to the final over. PNG pulled off a tense chase against Namibia, while hosts Nepal overcame Zimbabwe to stay in contention for a Super 6 spot.
Bangladesh continued their flawless run in Group A with another win, defeating Ireland in a tight finish, while Scotland strengthened their push for qualification with a comfortable victory over Thailand in Kirtipur.
PNG edge Namibia in last-over thriller
PNG held their nerve in a pressure chase to beat Namibia by three wickets with just two balls remaining, keeping their Super 6 hopes intact. Isabel Toua sealed the win in the final over, finding the boundary at the perfect time to take her side over the line.
Earlier, Namibia posted 122/5 after opener Jurriene Diergaardt top-scored with 36, holding the innings together until the 15th over before being dismissed. Namibia’s total looked competitive, but PNG’s openers gave them the ideal launchpad.
Hollan Doriga (39) and Konio Oala (20) added 58 for the first wicket, putting PNG firmly ahead early in the chase. Namibia then fought back sharply as PNG slipped from 72/2 to 79/5, with Sylvia Shihepo producing a match-turning spell of three wickets. Despite the collapse, PNG regrouped through Sibona Jimmy (15) before Toua’s late cameo ensured they crossed the finish line in a tense finish.
Nepal beat Zimbabwe to remain in the hunt
Nepal continued their charge with a crucial six-wicket win over Zimbabwe, a result that keeps the hosts in the Super 6 race while ending Zimbabwe's qualification hopes.
Zimbabwe were lifted by Kelis Ndhlovu, who remained unbeaten on 52 off 36 balls, and her important partnership with Beloved Biza (34). They appeared set for a bigger total before Nepal pulled things back with timely breakthroughs. Puja Mahato removed Biza, while Rubina Chhetry struck soon after as Zimbabwe lost momentum.
Ndhlovu stayed aggressive until the end, but Nepal’s disciplined bowling, including two wickets from Riya Sharma, ensured Zimbabwe were limited to 129/6.
Nepal started briskly in response, but it was Puja Mahato who shaped the chase with a calm unbeaten 52, guiding the innings alongside captain Indu Barma (22). Mahato finished the match in style, finding the boundary in the final over as Nepal reached 133/4 in 19.3 overs.
Bangladesh remain unbeaten with narrow win over Ireland
Bangladesh maintained their perfect record, edging Ireland by nine runs in a contest that stayed alive until the death. A fluent 52 from Sharmin Akhter, supported by Dilara Akter (35) and Sobhana Mostary (30), helped Bangladesh post 153/7.
Ireland responded strongly through captain Gaby Lewis, who produced a superb 73 off 58 balls, striking 11 boundaries including a six. She was well supported by *Amy Hunter (35 )**, and Ireland stayed in the chase until Lewis fell in the penultimate over — a breakthrough that proved decisive as Bangladesh defended their total to stay top of Group A.
Scotland outclass Thailand to boost Super 6 push
Scotland took a major step towards the Super 6 with a dominant five-wicket win over Thailand, completing the chase with more than five overs to spare.
Thailand lost a wicket first ball and struggled early, slipping to 26/3, before captain Naruemol Chaiwai rescued the innings with a superb unbeaten 73 off 55 balls. With support from Chanida Sutthiruang (22), Thailand managed to reach 118/6, setting Scotland 119 to win.
Scotland had a shaky start too, losing early wickets, but Katherine Fraser’s quick 41 turned the momentum. Sarah Bryce then played the finishing role with an unbeaten 52, guiding Scotland to 124/5 in 14.4 overs.
