Excitement peaked in Kathmandu on January 28 as Bangladesh clinched their seventh straight qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup, joined by debutants Netherlands, for the 2026 event in England. Scotland’s dominant performance against Ireland lit up the super six stage.
Netherlands’ fairytale run came against USA. Electing to bat, USA reached 129/7, buoyed by Gargi Bhogle’s 36 and Isani Vaghela’s 32*. Hannah Landheer’s three wickets curbed the scoring. Netherlands’ chase saw Phoebe Molkenboer anchor with 46* off 43, and Heather Siegers unleash 28 off 12 with three massive sixes. At 90/2 after 12 overs when rain arrived, DLS awarded them a 21-run win—their first-ever World Cup berth.
At Mulpani, Bangladesh overcame early jolts to 12/2 via a heroic stand from Juiyera Fardous (56) and Sobhana Mostari (59), posting 165/9. Thailand lost Suwannin Kiao-oto to Marufa Akhtar’s first-ball demolition. A 67-run stand between Nathakan Chantham (46) and Nannapat Koncharoenkai (29) wasn’t enough as they ended at 126/8, Akhtar’s 3-25 shining.
Scotland set 160/5 with Sarah Bryce’s 47, Kathryn Fraser’s 36, and Kathryn Bryce’s 30. Bryce then dismantled Ireland, taking 4-21 including Christina Coulter-Rally’s duck. Gaby Lewis’ 41 couldn’t save them from 121 all out against Chatterji and Mehmood’s two-wicket hauls each.
These victories underscore emerging talents ready to challenge the elite in England 2026.