Confident Thailand outplay Nepal to lift Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier title

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 20, 2025

Thailand were crowned champions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier after a commanding 78-run win over Nepal in the final super three fixture on Tuesday at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok.

Sent in to bat first, Thailand posted a daunting 158/2 in their 20 overs before restricting Nepal to 80/9 in reply.

Thailand’s top order laid the perfect foundation. Nayatta Bhoochatham and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi put on 75 runs for the first wicket, giving their side a strong start. Bhoochatham anchored the innings with a well-paced 50 off 42 balls, hitting five boundaries, while Suwanchonrathi chipped in with 29 before being dismissed.

With wickets in hand, Thailand accelerated in the final stretch. Nannapat Koncharoenkai hammered an unbeaten 50 from just 28 balls, laced with eight boundaries. She was well supported by Natthakan Chantham, who struck a quick 15 off 9 deliveries. The pair added 47 runs in the last four overs to take Thailand to a strong finish.

Nepal’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring. Rajmati Airee (1/25) and Manisha Upadhyay (1/24) were the only wicket-takers, bowling three overs each.

In the chase, Nepal never really found momentum. Openers Rubi Poddar and Samjhana Khadka fell inside the first four overs, leaving their side at 16 for 2. Kabita Kunwar tried to rebuild with a composed 24, the highest score for Nepal, but was run out just as she looked set.

Rajmati Airee remained unbeaten on 20 off 27, but wickets kept falling at the other end. Nepal eventually closed on 80 for 9 after their 20 overs, well short of the target.

Thailand’s bowling unit was sharp and disciplined. Onnicha Kamchomphu turned the game completely in Thailand’s favour with a brilliant hat-trick in the 19th over, finishing with match-winning figures of 4/11 in four overs. Thitpatcha Putthawong claimed three wickets, while Suleeporn Laomi picked up one.

Both teams have booked their spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, scheduled for early 2026.