Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier: Day 7 wrap

The race for the final two berths at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup is heating up. While Ireland closed in on a qualifying spot, the USA kept their hopes alive with a thrilling win over Thailand in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier on Friday.

With a 98-run win over the Netherlands, Ireland move into third place in standings. Meanwhile, USA beat Thailand by 28 runs runs in a low-scoring affair to earn their first two points in the Super Six stage.

The top four teams will make it to the marquee event in England in June-July. Bangladesh and Netherlands are already through, while Ireland, Scotland and USA will vie for the last two spots in their respective Super Six matches on Sunday.

Here's how all the action unfolded:

Bangladesh show their class against World Cup hopefuls Scotland

[Scorecard]

Despite having already sealed qualification, Bangladesh stayed unbeaten in Nepal, flexing their muscle against a Scotland outfit still trying to book their ticket to the Women's T20 World Cup mid-year.

Bangladesh registered an imposing 191/5 from their 20 overs after electing to bat. The top order put on a strike rate masterclass, with their top five all reaching at least double-digits and scoring at a run-a-ball or better.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty led from the front with 56* off 35 balls with eight boundaries including three majors. Sobhana Mostary (47 off 23) and Dilara Akter (39 off 28) also offered valuable contributions as the Tigers built up an unasailable target.

Approaching the early overs with necessary aggression put Scotland in early strife, losing Darcey Carter on the first ball and then Katherine Fraser 12 deliveries later. Pippa Sproul (27* off 23) and Megan McColl (20 off 22) showed fight in trying circumstances.

Scotland's World Cup claims will LIKELY come down to their showdown with the USA on Sunday, while the Tigers will look to complete their tour undefeated when they meet with the Netherlands on the same day.

Ireland score crucial win over Netherlands

[Scorecard]

Ireland's World Cup dreams are alive and well after dismantling the Netherlands by 98 runs. They're now on the cusp of World Cup qualification, just needing Sunday's results to go their way.

The Dutch won the toss and sent their European rivals in, but may have quickly come to regret that choice. Openers Amy Hunter (34 off 31 balls) and Gaby Lewis (20 off 18) made the most of the hard ball and the Netherlands' early field limitations, putting on a 41-run partnership for the first wicket.

Leah Paul then took charge with trademark presence, smashing six boundaries on her way to 39 off 24, top-scoring for the Irish. 143/9 is where Ireland landed after their 20 overs.

The Netherlands never found rhythm in reply, as Ireland's bowlers ruthlessly tore through their batting ranks.

Orla Prendergast (3/13 off 4 overs), Jane Maguire (3/9 off 2.5 overs) and Lara McBride (2/9 off 3) all had success with the ball. Opener Iris Zwilling was the only batter to make it into double digits for the Dutch.

A win over Thailand on Sunday will be enough to seal qualification, should other results cause concern.

The Netherlands, having already booked their ticket to the World Cup, will finish off their tournament on Sunday by looking to take down the unbeaten Bangladesh.

USA beat Thailand to roar back into qualification contention

[Scorecard]

Electing to bat first, the USA managed to put 128 runs on the board. While not daunting, it proved to be a challenging enough total in Kathmandu.

Off-break bowlers Sunida Chaturongrattana and Onnicha Kamchomphu tied the American top order in knots and quickly reduced them to 50 for four. While Kamchomphu snapped three wickets, Chaturongrattana got the key wickets of opener Disha Dhingra and Tara Norris.

Pooja Ganesh, in the company of the lower order, got the USA back on track. She scored 35 off 25 balls, putting on crucial final few runs that seemingly just put the match out of Thailand’s reach.

Norris gave USA the perfect start as she bowled over Nannaphat Chaihan in the first over and also sent her opening partner packing two overs later. The left-arm pacer finished with three wickets as USA skittled out Thailand for 100.

There was a glimmer of hope for Thailand when Nannapat Koncharoenkai (28) and captain Naruemol Chaiwai (31) dug in their heels for a 36-run third-wicket partnership. But once Aditiba Chudasama broke through with the wicket of Koncharoenkai, Thailand found it difficult to reover.

The win gave USA an outside chance of qualifying for the T20 Women's World Cup 2026. Their final Super Six match against Scotland could effectively be a knockout match, as the teams are currently placed fourth and fifth in the standings.

With four points and a superior net run-rate, Scotland are slightly ahead in the equation. But USA could turn it around with a big win on Sunday.

Remaining Super Six matches:

Ireland vs Thailand (February 1)

Bangladesh vs Netherlands (February 1)

Scotland vs USA (February 1)