USA Women Book Super Six Spot with Win Against PNG
The USA claimed the final Super Six spot on offer at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 with a five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea.
Ireland secured second spot in Group A by beating Namibia while in Group B, hosts Nepal were eliminated after defeat to Scotland, ensuring Thailand went through despite losing to the Netherlands.
The United States of America Women kept their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 campaign on track with a composed five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Sunday night, overcoming a competitive but modest target through disciplined bowling and a measured run chase.
Papua New Guinea, having won the toss, chose to bat first under lights but found scoring difficult against an organized and economical USA bowling attack. Early momentum was hard to come by as Tara Norris set the tone with an excellent opening spell, conceding just 12 runs and claiming a wicket in her four overs. Her control, backed up by tight spells from Isani Vaghela and Geetika Kodali, ensured PNG were kept in check throughout the powerplay.
Hollan Doriga struggled to find fluency at the top, eventually falling for 17 after consuming 36 deliveries, while Brenda Tau was dismissed cheaply as PNG slipped to 40 for two midway through the innings. Konio Oala provided the backbone of the innings with a well-constructed 41 from 40 balls. Though her knock included only one boundary, two sixes showcased her ability to clear the ropes and inject much-needed impetus.
The turning point came through the introduction of Lekha Shetty, who produced a decisive spell in the middle overs. Shetty struck three times in quick succession, removing Brenda Tau, Sibona Jimmy and later returning to break the dangerous partnership by dismissing Oala in the 19th over. Her figures of 3 for 27 earned her the Player of the Match award and halted PNG’s hopes of posting a more imposing total.
Pauke Siaka provided late acceleration with a brisk 26 from 21 balls, but regular wickets prevented PNG from fully capitalizing at the death. They closed on 110 for five, a total that reflected USA’s sustained pressure and sharp fielding, with Chetna Pagydyala involved in two key catches.
Chasing 111, the USA began with purpose through Pagydyala and Gargi Bhogle, who laid a solid platform with a confident opening stand. Pagydyala’s 32 from 34 balls featured five boundaries and ensured early stability, while Bhogle played the anchor role, rotating strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries.
PNG fought back with wickets in the middle overs, as Dika Lohia’s tight spell briefly threatened to stall the chase. The USA slipped from 69 without loss to 75 for three, introducing a hint of tension. However, Bhogle’s composed 35 and a handy contribution from Ella Claridge steadied the innings.
When further wickets fell, Ritu Singh provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 13 from eight balls, striking a boundary and a six to seal the contest with two overs to spare. The win underlined the USA’s growing confidence and depth, as they combined discipline with composure to secure a vital victory in the Global Qualifier.
Scores in brief
USA v Papua New Guinea – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Papua New Guinea 110/5 in 20 overs (Konio Oala 41, Pauke Siaka 26; Lekha Shetty 3/27, Tara Morris 1/12)
USA 111/5 in 18 overs (Gargi Bhogle 35, Chetna Pagydyala 32; Dika Lohia 2/7, Henao Thomas 1/20)
Result: USA win by five wickets
Namibia v Ireland – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Namibia 107/8 in 20 overs (Kayleen Green 32, Wilka Mwatile 28; Lara McBride 3/17, Jane Maguire 3/31)
Ireland 110/3 in 14.2 overs (Orla Prendergast 39, Gaby Lewis 33; Wilka Mwatile 1/8, Saima Tuhadeleni 1/21)
Result: Ireland win by seven wickets
Nepal v Scotland – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Scotland 140 all out in 20 overs (Priyanaz Chatterji 45 not out, Ailsa Lister 22; Manisha Upadhayay 4/17, Rubina Chhetry 3/23)
Nepal 68 all out in 13.5 overs (Roma Thapa 14 not out, Bindu Rawal 14; Abtaha Maqsood 3/14, Katherine Fraser 2/11)
Result: Scotland win by 72 runs
Netherlands v Thailand – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu
Netherlands 107/8 in 20 overs (Babette De Leede 47, Iris Zwilling 17 not out; Sunida Chaturongrattana 3/24, Phannita Maya 2/22)
Thailand 90 all out in 20 overs (Naruemol Chaiwai 33, Natthakan Chantham 26; Isabel Van Der Woning 4/14, Iris Zwilling 3/9)
Result: Netherlands win by 17 runs
