The Women’s World T20 Qualifier for World Cup 2026 heats up with Nepal Women taking on Scotland Women in Match 17 on January 26 at 8:45 am IST. At the bowler-friendly Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Nepal look to build on their only win in three matches, while Scotland look to solidify their lead with two wins in three. Both teams have full firepower and key players ready to take advantage of the seam and spin conditions.
Squads:
Nepal women’s cricket team
Indu Barma (C), Puja Mahato, Rajmati Airee, Suman Bista, Rachana Chaudhary, Rubina Chhetri, Kabita Joshi, Samjhana Khadka, Kabita Kunwar, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Riya Sharma, Kajal Shrestha, Roma Thapa, Manisha Upadhaya
Scotland women’s cricket team
Kathryn Bryce (C), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Mollie Parker, Hannah Rainey, Niamh Robertson-Jack, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul
Players to watch out for:
Mahato Puja
The 19-year-old all-round sensation, a right-handed batsman and medium pacer, has dazzled in 45 WT20Is with 611 runs at a strike rate of 83 and 30 wickets, capped by his best of 3/2. Her final innings against Zimbabwe, a combined unbeaten 52 with one wicket, showed her poise under pressure as a fearless middle-order anchor and decisive bowler.
Indu Barma
The 28-year-old captain and all-rounder combines right-handed batting with medium-pace bowling in 81 WT20I; 1,075 runs with 83 strike rates and 40 wickets, with the best being 3/5. She contributed 22 runs in the recent Zimbabwe match, and her leadership was ready to unite Nepal on this tricky track.
Sara Brice
The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has 1,558 runs in 71 WT20Is with a quick strike rate of 109. Named Player of the Match against Thailand for an unbeaten 52, her good glove work and aggressive strokeplay could exploit the vulnerabilities of Nepal’s bowling.
Katherine Fraser
The 20-year-old all-rounder, a right-hand batsman and spinner, has taken 55 wickets in 52 WT20Is, with a best bowling spell of 4/19, along with 267 runs. Her astute spin and lower-order batting make her perfect for the turn of the pitch, potentially tipping the scales for Scotland.
Passed:
Tribhuvan University’s international cricket pitch favors bowlers as it offers pacers early movement and spinners constant grip. Hitters often struggle; Teams that bowl first usually have the advantage.
Climate:
Conditions for match day were a minimum of 5°C, a maximum of 21°C and 39% humidity. Winds of 16 km/h under partly cloudy skies, ideal for playing without interruptions.
Fantasy playing XI:
Sarah Bryce, Indu Barma, Puja Mahato, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce, Sita Rana Magar, Rachel Slater, Rubina Chhetri, Kabita Joshi, Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell
Match details:
Date – January 26, 2026
Time – 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time
Event – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Transmission – The game will be streamed live via the FanCode app and website.
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