Bangladesh and the Netherlands have confirmed their spots at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup after impressive displays in the qualifying tournament being held in Nepal. While Bangladesh are familiar faces at the global event, having featured in every edition since hosting the inaugural tournament in 2014, this marks a historic first qualification for the Netherlands.
Both sides entered the Super Six stage on strong winning streaks and sealed progression with crucial victories — Bangladesh overcoming Thailand and the Netherlands defeating the USA. The main tournament, scheduled to take place later this year in England, will expand to 12 teams for the first time.
In their match at Mulpani, Bangladesh were put in to bat by Thailand and suffered an early setback, losing Dilara Akter off the first ball and Sharmin Akhter soon after. However, wicketkeeper Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary rebuilt the innings with a superb 110-run partnership for the third wicket. Ferdous made 56 from 45 deliveries, while Mostary struck 59 off 42 balls, guiding Bangladesh to a competitive total of 165 for 8 despite late wickets.
The bowlers then took charge, led by Marufa Akter’s figures of 3 for 25. Ritu Moni and Shorna Akter also chipped in with two wickets each as Thailand were kept in check, handing Bangladesh a comfortable 39-run victory.
The Netherlands secured qualification through a rain-affected contest against the USA at Kirtipur. After restricting the Americans to 129 for 7, with Hannah Landheer claiming three wickets and Caroline de Lange two, the Dutch batters made a rapid start in reply. Heather Siegers’ quick 28 and Phebe Molkenboer’s unbeaten 46 took them to 90 for 2 in 12 overs before rain halted play, leaving them well ahead on the DLS calculation.
With two of the four available places now filled, Scotland, Ireland, the USA and Thailand remain in contention for the final two qualification spots.
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