By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Jan 18, 2026 07:59 AM • 31 views
KIRTIPUR: Nepal started strong with their openers but lost by 8 wickets to Thailand in their first match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier at the TU Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Thailand chased down the target of 123 runs easily, reaching it in 16.5 overs. Natthakan Chantham led the way with an unbeaten half-century.
Chantham remained not out on 57 off 39 deliveries, an innings with nine boundaries and a six, ensuring the visitors never fell behind the required rate. She found a partner in Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who contributed a steady 32. For the hosts, Sarita Rana was the lone bright spot with the ball, claiming both Thai wickets.
Earlier, Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai won the toss and chose to field first, using the morning conditions. Nepal scored 122 runs and were bowled out on the last ball of the 20th over.
The innings in Nepal began with a burst of runs. Opener Samjhana Khadka hit 26 from 11 balls, including six boundaries. She and Bindu Rawal built a key 52-run partnership for the first wicket, giving Nepal a strong start. Rawal continued with a composed 44 runs, her career-best in T20 Internationals, but the momentum shifted once the opening stand was broken. While Rawal tried to hold one end, forming a brief partnership with Puja Mahato (12 off 17 balls), the middle order failed to capitalize. Captain Indu Barma was out for 6, and although Rubina Chhetry added a quick 17 from 10 balls near the end, Nepal’s batters could not keep up the early momentum. Bindu was dismissed in the 14th over, and the lower order did not add many runs.
This match showed Nepal needs to strengthen its middle order before its next game. They will try to recover ahead of their match against the Netherlands on Thursday.
