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Netherlands Defeat Nepal By 2 Runs In Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier

Nepali cricket players take runs during the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers match against the Netherlands at TU Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 22, 2026. The Netherlands defeat Nepal by a narrow margin of two runs in the 9th match at the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier, in a closely contested encounter at the TU Cricket Ground in Kathmandu. Batting first after winning the toss, the Netherlands post 140 for 5 in their 20 overs, which sees early jitters as Phebe Molkenboer is dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Heather Siegers contributes 13 off 5 balls before falling to Puja Mahato. The Dutch innings stabilize through captain Babette de Leede, who scores 49 off 47 deliveries, combining with Sterre Kalis's 30 to rebuild after early losses. Robine Rijke remains unbeaten on 19, and Iris Zwilling's quick 14 off 9 balls helps the team reach a competitive total. Rubina Chhetry picks two wickets for Nepal, while Puja Mahato, Somu Bist, and Riya Sharma chip in with a wicket each. Chasing 141, Nepal starts shakily, losing Bindu Rawal to a run-out in the fourth over and Samjhana Khadka shortly after, leaving them 35 for 2. The middle order struggles as Puja Mahato, Indu Barma, and Kajal Shrestha fall cheaply, leaving Nepal 62 for 5 by the 10th over. Rubina Chhetry anchors the innings with 37 not out from 32 balls, supported by Sita Rana Magar's quickfire 27 off 12 balls. Despite a late surge, Nepal falls agonizingly short, finishing 138 for 7. Netherlands' Isabel van der Woning is the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 16, while Caroline de Lange and Silver Siegers chip in with a wicket each. Extras, including 7 wides and 3 no balls, contribute to the tense finish. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

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