Nepal Women’s Cricket Team secures historic spot in T20 World Cup Global Qualifier

cricnepal Staff

May 19, 2025, 2 min read

In a historic moment for Nepalese cricket, the Nepal women’s national team has secured a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers for the first time ever. This achievement came after a thrilling five-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Super 3 stage of the Asia Qualifier.

Forced to bat first, UAE posted a competitive 114/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Esha Oza top-scored with 39, supported by Theertha Satish (21) and Heena Hotchandani, who chipped in with a quick 20. However, Nepal’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Manisha Upadhyaya emerging as the standout performer, grabbing 4 crucial wickets. Kabita Kunwar also made an impact with 2 wickets.

Chasing 115 for a place in the next round, Nepal found themselves in a tough spot at 62/4 in the 13th over. However, experienced campaigners Rubina Chhetri and Captain Indu Barma steadied the innings with a vital 37-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rubina struck a brisk 23 to swing the momentum, while Indu Barma anchored the chase and guided her team home with an unbeaten 30. Her composed knock earned her the Player of the Match award. Earlier, Samjhana Khadka (21) and Puja Mahato (13) also made useful contributions.

Nepal reached the target in 19.3 overs, finishing at 115/5 to script a historic victory. UAE’s loss in both of their Super 3 matches ensured Nepal’s qualification to the Global Qualifier stage, with the top two teams from the Super 3 advancing.

Nepal will face Thailand in their final match of the Asia Qualifier on May 20. The Global Qualifier will feature ten teams, with the top four earning a place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. While Nepal has never qualified for the senior Women’s World Cup, this success builds on their recent youth development, as Nepal’s U19 team competed in the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Puja Mahato Indu Barma Manisha Upadhayay