The Women’s International Twenty20 Match – Group B between Nepal Women and Netherlands Women will be played at the Mulpani Stadium, Kathmandu on 22 January. The match is scheduled to begin at 08:45 IST, converted from a 03:15 UK start time. With Group B finely poised, this fixture carries significant importance as both sides look to gain momentum in conditions that often reward discipline and adaptability.
Form Guide
Nepal Women
Nepal Women have shown steady progress in recent seasons, particularly when playing at home where familiarity with conditions plays a major role. Their game is built around control with the ball and patient batting, aiming to stay competitive through smart execution rather than sheer power.
- Strong understanding of local conditions in Kathmandu.
- Bowling unit focuses on accuracy and variation.
- Batting can struggle to accelerate against quality attacks.
Netherlands Women
Netherlands Women arrive with greater international exposure and a more developed all-round structure. Their ability to adapt tactically has been a hallmark of their recent performances, allowing them to remain competitive across different regions and surfaces.
- Balanced side with contributions across departments.
- Batters comfortable rotating strike on slower pitches.
- Occasional vulnerability against spin-heavy attacks.
Key Players
Nepal Women
- Rubina Chhetry – The experienced captain who provides leadership and stability.
- Indu Barma – A reliable all-rounder contributing with both bat and off-spin.
- Sita Rana Magar – A disciplined bowler capable of maintaining pressure.
Netherlands Women
- Babette de Leede – A consistent performer who anchors the batting order.
- Robine Rijke – Offers control and variation with the ball in the middle overs.
- Sterre Kalis – A composed batter well suited to building innings.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Mulpani Stadium typically offers a slow surface with variable bounce, bringing spinners and bowlers who use cutters firmly into play. Batting can be challenging early on, making partnerships and sensible shot selection vital. As the match progresses, run-scoring becomes easier for batters who settle in. Weather conditions in Kathmandu are expected to be cool and dry during the morning, creating favourable conditions for a full contest.
Nepal Women vs Netherlands Women – Prediction
This Group B encounter shapes up as a contest between Nepal’s home advantage and the Netherlands’ broader international experience. If Rubina Chhetry can guide her side with bat or ball and Nepal’s bowlers apply sustained pressure, the hosts could remain competitive deep into the match. However, the Netherlands’ composure and depth, led by Babette de Leede, give them the edge. Overall, Netherlands Women are favourites, but Nepal should push them hard in familiar conditions.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Babette de Leede – Reliable runs and leadership value.
- Indu Barma – All-round contributions enhance fantasy returns.
- Sterre Kalis – Consistency makes her a safe fantasy pick.
