Will Indu Barma Lead the Nepal Squad for the Women’s T20 WC Global Qualifier?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kathmandu, Jan 4 (NationPress) – On Sunday, Nepal Cricket revealed its 15-member roster for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, scheduled to take place in Nepal from January 18 to February 1.
Indu Barma will spearhead the team as captain, with Puja Mahato stepping in as vice-captain, as the home side gears up for a pivotal qualifying tournament on familiar grounds.
The Global Qualifier will see participation from teams including Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, Namibia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, the USA, and Zimbabwe. These teams are organized into two groups of five, with Ireland placed in Group A. After the group matches, the top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage, from which the leading four teams will earn qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is set to occur in England and Wales in June, featuring 12 teams competing in 33 matches. This represents an expansion from the 10-team tournaments previously held in Bangladesh in 2024 and South Africa in February 2023.
Already, eight teams have secured their spots for the 2026 edition, including the host nation England, alongside Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The remaining four positions will be filled through the global qualifying tournament.
The inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup took place in England in 2009, where the home team triumphed over New Zealand in the final. Australia dominated subsequent tournaments in 2010, 2012, and 2014 before the West Indies ended that streak in 2016 with a victory against Australia in India.
Australia reclaimed the title in 2018, winning consecutively in 2020 and 2023. The latest edition in 2024, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, saw New Zealand defeat South Africa in the final.
Nepal's Squad:
Indu Barma (c), Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Kajal Shrestha, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Rachana Chaudhary, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Suman Bista, Rajmati Airee, Manisha Upadhaya.