Bangladesh and the Netherlands are England-bound after wrapping up qualification at the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal. For Bangladesh, it is business as usual – they have not missed a World Cup since they first hosted the event in 2014. For the Dutch, it is fresh ground entirely, the side booking a seat at the main tournament for the first time.
Bangladesh confirmed their spot with a 39-run win over Thailand in Mulpani, a result that kept their unbeaten record in the competition intact. Asked to bat, they lost Dilara Akter to the first ball and Sharmin Akhter soon after, but wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary rebuilt calmly, adding 110 for the third wicket. Ferdous’ 56 came from 45 balls, Mostary’s 59 from 42, and even a mid-innings wobble could not prevent a healthy 165 for 8.
Thailand never caught up. Marufa Akter’s lively new-ball spell (3 for 25) removed the top order, and steady support from Ritu Moni and teenage leg-spinner Shorna Akter – two wickets apiece – closed things out at 126 for 8.
Across the Valley in Kirtipur, the Netherlands eased past the USA under Duckworth–Lewis. Their bowlers had earlier restricted the Americans to 129 for 7. Hannah Landheer’s heavy lengths earned 3 for 30, Caroline de Lange backed up with 2 for 27, and the fielding stayed sharp in the thin mountain air.
The chase was brisk. Captain Heather Siegers muscled 28 off 12 balls at the top, Phebe Molkenboer anchored on 46 not out, and when rain cut in at 12 overs the Dutch were 90 for 2, comfortably ahead of the par score to win by 21 runs.
Four of the six Super Six sides advance to the expanded 12-team World Cup. With Bangladesh and the Netherlands now safe, Scotland, Ireland, the USA and Thailand are left to scrap for the last two berths.
Short-term, both qualified teams will welcome the gap before the main event in England. Bangladesh have depth but are still seeking consistency with the bat; the Netherlands, whose domestic calendar remains semi-professional, now face the challenge of turning fresh momentum into genuine international competitiveness. Qualifying, though, is the non-negotiable first step – and both have taken it impressively.
