Nepal out of Women’s T20 World Cup race

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s dream of playing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has once again ended in disappointment.

Nepal crashed out of the group stage of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 Global Qualifier after a humiliating 72-run loss to Scotland in front of the home crowd on Monday. Nepali women failed to capitalize on the advantage of home conditions and local support.

Despite restricting Scotland to a modest total of 140 runs, the home side were bowled out for just 68 runs in 13.5 overs.

Opener Bindu Rawal top-scored for Nepal with 14 runs. Roma Thapa remained unbeaten on 14, while Rubina Chhetri added 10. No other batter reached double figures.

Earlier, batting first at the TU International Cricket Stadium, Scotland scored 140 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Although Nepal removed Scotland’s top three wickets with just 17 runs on the board, Sarah Bryce (18) and Alisa Lister (22) steadied the innings. Megan McColl contributed 17 off 14 balls before Priyanaz Chatterji scored a 28-ball 45 to take Scotland to a competitive total.

Manisha Upadhyay was the standout bowler for Nepal as she claimed four wickets while conceding 17 runs. Rubina Chhetri took three wickets, while Riya Sharma, Sita Rana Magar, and Kavita Joshi took one each.

Abtaha Maqsood took three wickets for Scotland to derail Nepal’s chase. Katherine Fraser and Kathryn Bryce claimed two each, while Rachel Slater and Olivia Bell had a wicket each to their names.

Scotland, the Netherlands, and Thailand progressed to the Super Six stage from Group B.