Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal failed to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup after suffering a 57-run defeat against Thailand in the quarterfinal of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup in Malaysia on Wednesday.
Batting first, Thailand scored 130 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Nepal could only score 74 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
Nepal, which played the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup, needed to reach the semifinal to qualify for the 2026 Asian Games. However, they were humbled by the strong Thai side in the quarterfinal.
Two weeks ago, the Nepali women’s team also failed to qualify for the 2026 Asian Games.
Although Nepal removed Thai opener Natthakan Chantham (1) cheaply, other opener Phannita Maya scored 26 off 21 before Nannapat Khoncharoenkai took the game away from Nepal with a 51-ball 62. Channida Sutthiruang scored 16 and Captain Naruemol Chaiwai made 8.
Kabita Kunwar, Riya Sharma and Rubina Chhetry claimed one wicket each for Nepal.
Chasing 131 for a spot in the semifinal, Nepal lost opener Rubi Poddar for a duck and No.3 batter Puja Mahato for 2. Samjhana Kumari scored 12 and Sony Pakhrin made 15. Except for veterans Rubina Chhetry and Sita Rana Magar, who made 20 and 12, respectively, other Nepali batters failed to reach double figures.
Thipatcha Putthawong, Sunida Chaturograttana, and Suleeporn Laomi claimed two wickets each for Thailand, while Phannita Maya picked up one.
