Nepal Cricket has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, set to take place in Nepal from January 18 to February 1.
Leadership Changes
Indu Barma will continue as captain, with Puja Mahato stepping in as vice-captain, as the team gears up for this crucial qualifying campaign on home soil.
Participating Teams
The Global Qualifier will feature teams from Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, Namibia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, the USA, and Zimbabwe. These teams are divided into two groups of five, with Ireland placed in Group A. After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six round. From there, the top four teams will qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
2026 Women’s T20 World Cup
The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in England and Wales in June, featuring 12 teams competing in 33 matches. This tournament marks an expansion from the 10-team format used in Bangladesh in 2024 and South Africa in February 2023.
Teams Qualified
Eight teams have already secured their places for the 2026 edition, including the hosts England, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The remaining four spots will be filled through the global qualifying tournament.
Historical Context
The inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup took place in England in 2009, where the hosts emerged victorious by defeating New Zealand in the final. Australia dominated the following three editions in 2010, 2012, and 2014, but the West Indies broke this streak in 2016 with a final win over Australia in India.
Australia then reclaimed dominance by securing three consecutive titles in 2018, 2020, and 2023. The most recent edition in 2024 was hosted by the United Arab Emirates, where New Zealand triumphed over South Africa in the final to lift the trophy.
Nepal Squad
Indu Barma (c), Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Kajal Shrestha, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Rachana Chaudhary, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Suman Bista, Rajmati Airee, Manisha Upadhaya.