Nepal Women face Thailand Women in a crucial Group B fixture of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier at the Mulpani Stadium, Kathmandu on 18th January. The match is scheduled to begin at 07:15 UK time, which converts to 12:45 IST. With both sides pushing for qualification and conditions expected to strongly influence tactics, this encounter could be decisive in the race for progression.
Form Guide
Nepal Women
Nepal Women have made steady strides in recent years, particularly in subcontinental conditions where their familiarity with slower pitches gives them a clear advantage. Their T20 approach is built around disciplined bowling, energetic fielding, and batters willing to grind out competitive totals. At home, Nepal will be confident of applying sustained pressure.
- Strong understanding of local pitch conditions.
- Bowling attack focused on control and variation.
- Batting unit prioritising partnerships over power.
Thailand Women
Thailand Women arrive with an impressive reputation in associate cricket, known for their fitness, sharp fielding, and structured T20 approach. Their batting thrives on strike rotation and smart placement, while the bowling unit excels at choking runs. Adapting quickly to Kathmandu conditions will be key.
- Highly disciplined bowling across all phases.
- Batting built on speed between the wickets.
- Excellent fielding standards applying constant pressure.
Key Players
Nepal Women
- Rubina Chhetry – Experienced leader capable of anchoring the innings.
- Sita Rana Magar – Influential all-rounder contributing in key moments.
- Indu Barma – Consistent performer with both bat and ball.
Thailand Women
- Naruemol Chaiwai – Reliable top-order batter and composed leader.
- Nattaya Boochatham – World-class associate all-rounder offering control and experience.
- Sornnarin Tippoch – Key bowler effective through variation and accuracy.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Mulpani Stadium is expected to favour bowlers, particularly spinners, with the surface offering grip and slower pace as the match progresses. Batters will need to apply themselves early, while teams batting first may look to post a defendable total rather than chase explosively. Dry conditions are forecast, with no threat of rain.
Nepal Women vs Thailand Women – Prediction
This Group B contest is likely to be decided by discipline and execution against spin. If Rubina Chhetry and Sita Rana Magar can build a stable innings, Nepal Women will be well placed to challenge. However, Thailand’s experience at this level, driven by the all-round excellence of Nattaya Boochatham, gives them a slight edge. Expect a tight, low-scoring contest, with Thailand Women marginal favourites.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Nattaya Boochatham – Premium all-round fantasy option.
- Rubina Chhetry – Reliable top-order batting pick.
- Naruemol Chaiwai – Consistent contributor in pressure games.
