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 progress through. The teams had featured in a Super Three contest along with 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 who also secured their path to the next round.
After electing to field against the UAE in Bangkok, Nepal side kept a plug 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 had earlier defeated the Emiratis in action on Sunday, and with Thailand’s match against Nepal the only remaining fixture, neither side can be overtaken on the points tally.
Thailand’s win over UAE was a dominant display from the South-East Asian side, who 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 of chase thereafter, finishing at 90/5 in their quota of overs.