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Key Points

Thailand and Nepal have secured their spots in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier after strong performances in the Asia regional finals. Nepal sealed their place with a tense chase against the UAE, while Thailand dominated with a commanding win. Both teams will now compete in the Global Qualifier for a chance to reach the main event in England and Wales. The tournament will feature top teams like Australia, India, and England.

Key Points: Thailand and Nepal Qualify for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

  • Nepal clinched a thrilling chase against UAE
  • Thailand dominated with Natthakan Chantham's explosive 46*
  • Both teams join Bangladesh and Scotland in Global Qualifier
  • Top four from qualifiers advance to 2026 T20 World Cup
2 min read

Thailand, Nepal progress to Global Qualifier for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Thailand and Nepal secure spots in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier after dominant performances in the Asia regional finals.

"Nepal completed the chase of UAE's 114 in the final over to seal their progress - ICC"

New Delhi May 20

Asia's entrants for the upcoming 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier have been locked in, with victories in the final phase of regional qualifying ensuring that Thailand and Nepal go through, according to the ICC.

The teams were featured in a Super Three contest along with the UAE, which would've seen the top two sides in the group make it to the Global Qualifier. Nepal completed the chase of UAE's 114 in the final over to seal their progress on Monday, joining Thailand and securing their path to the next round.

After electing to field against the UAE in Bangkok, the Nepal side kept a check on the Emirati scoring rate, and despite Esha Oza's patient 39, the Middle East side could reach only 114/7 in the 20-over mark. Manisha Upadhyay starred with 4/20 with the ball.

Nepal were clinical with the willow, and never lost sight of the target despite setbacks. Their five-wicket win was sealed in the 20th over, with skipper Indu Barma (30) and Rubina Chhetry (23) making important contributions.

Naruemol Chaiwai's side earlier defeated the Emiratis in action on Sunday. With Thailand's match against Nepal the only remaining fixture, neither side can be overtaken on the points tally.

Thailand's win over the UAE was a dominant display. The South-East Asian side posted 144/5 in the first innings on the back of Natthakan Chantham's (46* from 20) blazing outing and Nattaya Boochatham's (49 from 48) steady hand. The UAE had lost Esha Oza early and were never in contention to chase thereafter, finishing at 90/5 in their quota of overs.

The pair joins Bangladesh and Scotland at the Global Qualifier, who made it to the event via their participation in the last ICC Women's T20 World Cup, and the United States, which claimed victory in the Americas Qualifier, held in Argentina back in March.

Two Global Qualifier spots are available through both upcoming Europe and Africa Qualifiers, with one place up for grabs in East Asia-Pacific action.

The top four teams at the Global Qualifier will progress to the marquee tournament to be held in England and Wales, with the hosts joined by Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Great to see our neighboring countries Nepal and Thailand making strides in women's cricket! 👏 The Asian region is really developing strong talent. Hope this inspires more girls in India's border states to take up sports. #WomenInSports
R
Rahul S.
Nepal's win was quite impressive! Manisha Upadhyay's bowling figures (4/20) show real promise. As an Indian cricket fan, I'd love to see more bilateral series between our women's teams and these emerging nations.
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Ananya M.
Thailand's batting performance was fire! Chantham's 46* off just 20 balls? That's some serious hitting. BCCI should consider inviting these teams for warm-up matches before big tournaments. Would benefit everyone.
V
Vikram J.
While it's good to see progress, I wonder if ICC is doing enough to support these teams financially. Our neighbors need proper infrastructure to compete at global level. India could play a bigger role in developing cricket in Asia.
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Sunita P.
So proud of Nepal's women's team! They've come so far despite limited resources. Hope our media gives them proper coverage instead of just focusing on men's cricket all the time. #EqualOpportunity
K
Karan D.
Interesting to see UAE competing too. Cricket is truly becoming global! Maybe someday we'll have a proper Asian women's cricket championship with all SAARC nations plus Thailand/Malaysia etc.

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