The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier is set to begin on Friday in Thailand, and the Nepali women’s cricket team has reached Thailand to take part in the tournament.
A total of nine teams will compete in the qualifiers, with the top two teams advancing to the global qualifier stage. The teams will be divided into three groups, with each group featuring three teams. A double round-robin format will be followed within each group.
After the group stage, the top team from each group will progress to the Super 3. From there, the top two teams will qualify for the global stage.
Participating teams include host Thailand, Nepal, Hong Kong, UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain, Qatar, Bhutan, and Kuwait. Nepal is in Group C alongside Hong Kong and Bahrain.
Prior to this tournament, the Nepali team played practice matches in India, as well as two bilateral series—one at home and one abroad.
So far, the Nepali women’s cricket team has never advanced beyond the Asia Qualifier. In previous attempts in 2019, 2021, and 2023, Nepal failed advance this stage.
In the 2019 qualifiers, Thailand advanced to the global stage undefeated, with Nepal’s only loss in the tournament coming against them. In the 2021 edition, Nepal was defeated by both Hong Kong and UAE, with UAE moving forward unbeaten. In 2023, Nepal was knocked out after losing to Thailand in the semifinal.
This time as well, the journey will not be easy. In Group C, Hong Kong is expected to pose the main challenge for Nepal. The two matches between Nepal and Hong Kong are likely to determine the group winner.
If Nepal tops its group and enters the Super 3, they are expected to face strong sides like UAE, Malaysia, or Thailand. Nepal will need to win at least one match in the Super 3 to secure a spot in the global qualifier.
Nepal has previously played both of its group opponents. Against Bahrain, Nepal has won both matches comfortably. In T20s against Hong Kong, Nepal has played 11 matches, winning five and losing four, while two were abandoned.
Captain Indu Barma expressed optimism, stating that the training in India had been highly positive.
“We played a few matches and performed well,” she says to Onlinekhabar. “We have a clear vision for the qualifiers in Thailand and are mentally prepared.”
She further said that the team have increased focus on fitness.
Nepal’s first match is scheduled on May 9 against Hong Kong. On May 10, they will face Bahrain. They will play Hong Kong again on Tuesday and Bahrain again on Wednesday.
The squad, led by captain Indu Barma and vice-captain Puja Mahato, includes Bindhu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Rubina Chhetri, Roma Thapa, Kavita Joshi, Rubie Poddar, Rajmati Airee, Kabita Kunwar, Sabnam Rai, Ishwori Bista, Manisha Upadhyay, and Riya Sharma.
Manoj Katuwal, who recently completed a Level 3 coaching course in Bhutan, is the head coach. Rijan Praju serves as assistant coach, while Indian coach Manish Jha is consulting coach for the team.
