Ella Claridge Shines as USA Win Thriller on Day of High Drama
Three matches were decided in gripping fashion as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 delivered a dramatic day of cricket, with the Netherlands, USA and Thailand all clinching narrow victories.
The Dutch held off Scotland by seven runs, the USA completed a tense four-wicket chase against Namibia, and Thailand edged Zimbabwe by a solitary run in the closest finish of the day. Bangladesh, meanwhile, were the only side to enjoy a comfortable outing, easing past Papua New Guinea by 30 runs to maintain their perfect start in Group A.
Claridge anchors USA comeback
Ella Claridge produced a composed and match-winning innings to guide the USA to a four-wicket victory over Namibia.
Namibia were powered by Yasmeen Khan, who dominated the innings with a fluent 74 from 47 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and two sixes. She shared useful support from Merczerly Gorases (28) as Namibia posted 144 for six, despite disciplined spells from Tara Norris (3/34) and Isani Vaghela (2/15).
The USA chase wobbled at 75 for four in the 14th over, but Claridge kept her nerve, pacing her innings before accelerating late. With 30 required from the final three overs, she took control, eventually falling for 70 from 51 balls after steering her side within touching distance. Ritu Singh’s brisk 21 off 10 sealed the win with four balls remaining.
Kallis stars as Netherlands stay unbeaten
Sterre Kallis delivered a commanding unbeaten 87 to help the Netherlands fend off a spirited Scotland challenge.
Walking in at 27 for two, Kallis struck 14 fours and a six in her 60-ball knock, lifting her side to 157 for six. No other Dutch batter reached 20, while Rachel Slater impressed for Scotland with three for 24.
Scotland stayed in the contest throughout the chase, with Kathryn Bryce (42), Katherine Fraser (41) and Sarah Bryce (30) all contributing. Thirteen runs from the penultimate over left Scotland needing 11 from the last, but Heather Siegers kept her composure, conceding just three runs to secure a seven-run victory.
Thailand hold nerve in last-ball drama
Thailand showed remarkable composure to claim a one-run win over Zimbabwe and make it two wins from two.
After losing an early wicket, Nannapat Koncharoenkai anchored the innings with a steady 54, while Natthakan Chantham added impetus with two sixes in her 26. Zimbabwe’s bowlers fought back strongly, with Audrey Mazvishaya and Adel Zimunu taking two wickets each as Thailand slipped to 115 for seven.
Zimbabwe’s reply began poorly with opener Beloved Biza run out without scoring, but Modester Mupachikwa (36) and Kelis Ndhlovu (28) revived the chase. Nine were needed from the final over, then two from the last ball, but Nyasha Gwanzura’s straight drive was fielded sharply by bowler Phannita Maya, who completed the decisive run-out to spark jubilant celebrations.
Shorna leads Bangladesh charge
Bangladesh remained in control in Group A with a commanding 30-run win over Papua New Guinea, led by an explosive display from Shorna Akter.
Dilara Akter (35) and Sharmin Akhter (28) provided a solid platform before Shorna took charge, smashing four sixes in a rapid 37 from just 14 balls. Sobhana Mostary added an unbeaten 34 as Bangladesh surged to 168 for five.
PNG were well placed at 98 for two in the 14th over, but the dismissal of captain Brenda Tau (35) shifted momentum. Bangladesh shared the wickets around, with six bowlers striking once each to close out a convincing victory.
Scores in brief
Zimbabwe v Thailand – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Thailand 115/7 in 20 overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 54, Natthakan Chantham 26; Audrey Mazvishaya 2/21, Adel Zimunu 2/22)
Zimbabwe 114/6 in 20 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 36, Kelis Ndhlovu 28; Thipatcha Putthawong 2/27, Sunida Chaturongrattana 1/11)
Result: Thailand won by one run
Papua New Guinea v Bangladesh – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Bangladesh 168/5 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 37, Dilara Akter 35; Dika Lohia 1/25, Mairi Tom 1/37)
Papua New Guinea 138/9 in 20 overs (Brenda Tau 35, Sibona Jimmy 28; Shorna Akter 1/6, Sobhana Mostary 1/12)
Result: Bangladesh won by 30 runs
Scotland v Netherlands – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Netherlands 157/6 in 20 overs (Sterre Kallis 87 not out, Heather Siegers 18; Rachel Slater 3/24, Abtaha Maqsood 1/21)
Scotland 150/5 in 20 overs (Kathryn Bryce 42, Katherine Fraser 41; Caroline de Lange 2/27, Silver Siegers 1/18)
Result: Netherlands won by seven runs
Namibia v USA – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Namibia 144/6 in 20 overs (Yasmeen Khan 74, Merczerly Gorases 28; Tara Norris 3/34, Isani Vaghela 2/15)
USA 145/6 in 19.2 overs (Ella Claridge 70, Ritu Singh 21; Eveleen Kejaruka 2/25, Saima Tuhadeleni 2/28)
Result: USA won by four wickets
