Tara Norris Shines in All-Round Display as USA Women Beat Thailand
Jane Maguire and Orla Prendergast bowled Ireland to a huge victory over the Netherlands to keep their hopes of joining them at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 alive.
Bangladesh continued their unbeaten run with a 90-run win over Scotland, while the USA got points on the board at the Super Six stage with victory over Thailand.
Ireland and Scotland go into the final fixtures on Sunday in pole position to secure the last two spots at this summer’s tournament.
The United States of America Women produced a disciplined all-round performance to secure a 28-run victory over Thailand Women in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 clash at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Friday. After electing to bat first, the USA posted a competitive 128 before bowling Thailand out for 100 in 19 overs, with Tara Norris starring with both bat and ball to earn the Player of the Match award.
The USA innings began steadily but never quite gathered early momentum as Thailand’s bowlers kept things tight in the powerplay. Disha Dhingra showed positive intent at the top, striking two boundaries in her 14 from 17 balls before falling to Thipatcha Putthawong. Chetna Pagydyala followed soon after for 18, while Ella Claridge and Isani Vaghela were unable to convert starts as Onnicha Kamchomphu’s accurate off-spin applied pressure through the middle overs.
At 62 for 5 in the 13th over, the USA needed a strong finish, and it came through a crucial partnership between Pooja Ganesh and Tara Norris. Ganesh anchored the innings impressively, remaining unbeaten on 35 from 25 balls, while Norris injected urgency with a brisk 18 off just 13 deliveries, including a boundary and a six. Ritu Singh added late impetus with a rapid 15 from nine balls, helping the USA push past the 120 mark before being bowled out in the final over for 128. Kamchomphu was the pick of Thailand’s bowlers with figures of 3 for 16, well supported by Sunida Chaturongrattana and Putthawong, who claimed two wickets apiece.
In reply, Thailand’s chase got off to the worst possible start as Tara Norris struck twice in her opening spell, removing Natthakan Chantham and Nannaphat Chaihan inside the first three overs. Nannapat Koncharoenkai attempted to rebuild with a fluent 28 off 24 balls, while captain Naruemol Chaiwai held the innings together with a patient 31. However, regular wickets at the other end prevented Thailand from building any sustained momentum.
The USA bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with Geetika Kodali delivering a standout spell of 2 for 13, including a maiden. Maahi Madhavan chipped in with two wickets, while Ritu Singh struck twice at key moments to halt Thailand’s progress. Norris returned to clean up the tail, finishing with figures of 3 for 22, as Thailand were dismissed for 100 in the 19th over.
Scores in brief
Ireland v Netherlands – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal
Ireland 143/9 in 20 overs (Leah Paul 39, Amy Hunter 34; Hannah Landheer 3/35, Caroline De Lange 2/15)
Netherlands 45 all out in 14.5 overs (Iris Zwilling 10, Caroline De Lange 6; Jane Maguire 3/9, Orla Prendergast 3/13)
Result: Ireland win by 98 runs
Bangladesh v Scotland – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal
Bangladesh 191/5 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 56 not out, Sobhana Mostary 47; Katherine Fraser 1/39, Priyanaz Chatterji 1/40)
Scotland 101/9 in 20 overs (Pippa Sproul 27 not out, Megan McColl 20; Marufa Akter 3/25, Shorna Akter 2/13)
Result: Bangladesh win by 90 runs
USA v Thailand – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal
USA 128 all out in 19.5 overs (Pooja Ganesh 35 not out, Tara Norris 18; Onnicha Kamchomphu 3/16, Sunida Chaturongrattana 2/23)
Thailand 100 all out in 19 overs (Naruemol Chaiwai 31, Nannapat Koncharoenkai 28; Tara Norris 3/22, Geetika Kodali 2/13)
Result: USA win by 28 runs
