The Nepal women’s cricket team has made history once again by securing a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. This milestone marks a significant chapter in their cricketing journey, highlighting both their growth and challenges since their international debut in 2007.
Back in 2007, the Nepal women’s cricket team entered the international scene with a squad of multi-sport athletes, most of whom were not full-time cricketers. Participating in the inaugural ACC Women’s T20 Championship, they stunned everyone by topping Group A, which included hosts Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. With wins over Thailand (by 55 runs) and Hong Kong (by seven wickets), and a draw with Malaysia, Nepal reached the final. Although they lost to Bangladesh, the runner-up finish was a monumental achievement for a newly-formed side.
The promise of that early success was reinforced when Nepal’s U-19 women’s cricket team clinched the ACC Under-19 Women’s Championship in 2008 and defended the title in 2010. However, the initial momentum began to fade as administrative challenges and stagnation in development began to affect the sport.
Thailand’s Rise and Nepal’s Decline in Women’s Cricket
One of the biggest turning points in the journey of the Nepal women’s cricket team has been the rise of Thailand. While Nepal defeated Thailand in 2007, the tables turned in subsequent tournaments. Thailand beat Nepal in the 2009 edition of the ACC Championship and again in the semi-final of the 2013 tournament, which they eventually won.
Over the years, as Nepal faced internal issues, including the suspension of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Thailand invested in their cricketing infrastructure and development. This resulted in a growing gap between the two teams. By the time they met in the 2019 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, Thailand had clearly pulled ahead. They defeated Nepal by 57 runs—a loss that cost Nepal the chance to qualify for the Global Qualifier that year.
The rivalry continued in 2023, with Thailand thrashing Nepal in the semi-final to secure their place in the next stage. In 2025, the Nepal women’s cricket team faced Thailand four times and lost on each occasion, including a 78-run defeat in their final match of the Asia Qualifier at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok.
Nepal Women’s Cricket Team Advances Despite Heavy Loss
Despite the losses to Thailand, the Nepal women’s cricket team secured their spot in the Global Qualifier thanks to a crucial five-run win over the UAE. The standout performance ensured they joined Thailand, Bangladesh, Scotland, and the USA as confirmed teams for the upcoming tournament.
On Tuesday, Nepal faced Thailand in their final Super Three match. Thailand, powered by fifties from Nattaya Boochatham and Nannapat Koncharoenkai, posted 158/2. Nepal could only manage 80/9 in response. Interestingly, Boochatham had played against Nepal during the very first ACC encounter in 2007, showcasing Thailand’s consistent player development.
Global Qualifier: The Road Ahead for Nepal
The upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier will feature 10 teams, with only four earning a place in the 2026 T20 World Cup in England and Wales. So far, the participating teams include:
| Team | Qualification Route |
|---|---|
| Nepal | Asia Qualifier |
| Thailand | Asia Qualifier |
| Bangladesh | 2024 T20 World Cup |
| Scotland | 2024 T20 World Cup |
| USA | Americas Qualifier |
More teams will qualify through the upcoming regional tournaments:
- Europe (2 teams) – qualifiers began on May 25
- Africa (2 teams) – scheduled for July
- East-Asia-Pacific (1 team) – to be played in September
Potential strong qualifiers include Ireland, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Uganda—all teams the Nepal women’s cricket team has not beaten in T20Is since receiving WT20I status in 2018.
Preparations and Future Fixtures for Nepal Women’s Cricket Team
Following their qualification, the Nepal women’s cricket team is now focusing on preparation. While the Cricket Association of Nepal has not officially unveiled a detailed training program, the 2025 calendar looks promising.
- June: Participation in the ACC Women’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka
- September: T20I Tri-series in Malaysia with the UAE
- October: Potential tour to Sri Lanka
- December: Hosting a pentangular T20I series with Uganda, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the UAE
Moreover, CAN is planning to bolster the women’s cricket setup by adding Indian professionals to the support staff—fitness trainer Monika and consultant coach Manish Jha. A growing talent pool of emerging cricketers is also giving the selectors more options than ever before.
A New Chapter in Nepal Women’s Cricket
For the first time, the Nepal women’s cricket team is just one step away from appearing in a global ICC event. The road ahead is filled with tough opponents and high-stakes matches, but the team’s qualification for the Global Qualifier is a testament to their resilience and growing potential.
As captain Indu Barma put it, “Women’s cricket in Nepal deserves more investment and support.” With proper backing and consistent development, Nepal’s dream of reaching the global stage may soon become a reality.
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