Thailand beat Nepal by 8 wickets in opener of Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier

Nepal Women began their ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier campaign with an 8-wicket defeat against Thailand at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur on Sunday.

Chasing Nepal's total of 122, Thailand completed the target comfortably in 16.5 overs, reaching 123/2 and sealing a dominant win in the tournament opener.

Thailand's chase was powered by Natthakan Chantham, who remained unbeaten on 57 off 39 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. She found solid support from Nanapat Koncharoenkai (32) and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (28) as Thailand controlled the chase with ease.

For Nepal, Sita Rana Magar was the only bowler to make an impact, finishing with two wickets, while the rest of the attack failed to build pressure or defend the low total.

Earlier, Nepal were bowled out for 122 after losing the toss and being asked to bat first. The hosts had a strong start through openers Samjhana Khadka and Bindu Rawal, who added 54 runs inside six overs, putting Thailand under early pressure.

However, Nepal's momentum slipped quickly after Samjhana’s dismissal, as the middle order collapsed and wickets fell in regular intervals. Samjhana struck 26 off 11 balls with six fours, while Bindu top-scored with 44 off 56 balls, her highest T20I score.

Nepal struggled to build partnerships after the powerplay, with several batters failing to convert starts. Pooja Mahato (12), Indu Barma (6), and Rubina Chhetri (17) were unable to provide stability, while Riya Sharma (4) also fell cheaply.

Thailand's bowlers kept striking at key moments, led by Thipatcha Putthawong, who claimed four wickets for 27 runs, while Onicha Kamchomphu picked up two for 24 to restrict Nepal from posting a competitive total.

Nepal's winless run against Thailand continues, with the national team yet to register a victory over Thailand since 2011, and Sunday's result extended the trend of recent defeats in the rivalry.

Nepal are placed in Group B of the 10-team tournament and will face Netherlands on January 22, followed by matches against Zimbabwe on January 24 and Scotland on January 26. Nepal will be playing Zimbabwe and Scotland for the first time in women’s international cricket.

The tournament features two groups, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six, and the top four teams overall qualifying for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England and Wales in June–July.