In the heart of Kathmandu, the echoes of cricket fans at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground tell a story of resilience. Despite a challenging start to their campaign, the Nepal women’s national team is refusing to let their dreams of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 fade away. Their journey has been marked by grit, narrow margins, and a veteran leader who continues to push the boundaries of what is possible for Himalayan cricket.
A Battle of Narrow Margins
Nepal’s road to the World Cup showcase in England and Wales hit a significant hurdle during their second group stage match. Facing a disciplined Netherlands side, the hosts fell agonizingly short, losing by a mere two runs. Chasing a target that felt within reach until the very last ball, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, proving that Nepal is a formidable opponent when backed by their passionate home crowd.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially given how close the “Rhinos” came to a victory. All-rounder Rubina Chhetry was the hero of the day, almost single-handedly steering the ship toward a historic win. In a dramatic final over, she smashed the last delivery for a boundary; however, the team needed a six to level the scores and force a tie. While the two-run loss was a setback, the performance served as a statement that Nepal can compete with top European associates on any given day.
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Veteran Leadership and Historic Milestones
The match against the Netherlands was not just about the scoreline; it was a day of personal triumph for Rubina Chhetry. The 32-year-old right-hander played a valiant unbeaten knock of 37 and contributed with the ball by claiming two crucial wickets. During her innings, she reached a monumental career milestone, becoming only the second woman from Nepal to surpass 1,000 runs in T20I cricket.
Despite the individual accolade, Chhetry remained focused on the collective goal. She emphasized that records feel hollow without a team victory, stating that her priority is making a bigger contribution in the matches that lie ahead. Her partnership of 45 runs with Sita Rana Magar (27*) toward the end of the innings showcased the experience and talent within the squad, though Chhetry noted that losing wickets at the wrong time in the middle overs was the ultimate reason for their defeat.
The Path to the Super Six
Currently sitting in fourth place in their group, the mathematical path forward for Nepal is clear but demanding. To keep their World Cup aspirations alive, they must secure victories in their remaining group fixtures against Zimbabwe and Scotland. These upcoming matches are essentially “must-wins” to progress to the Super Six phase.
The challenge is steep, as teams like the Netherlands have already found their rhythm, securing three consecutive wins to book their place in the next round. However, the improvement in Nepal’s technical play and their ability to handle pressure has given the squad a renewed sense of confidence. The gap between Nepal and the more established cricketing nations is closing, and the team is determined to utilize their remaining games to flip the tournament in their favor.
Home Support as a Catalyst for Success
One of Nepal’s greatest assets in this qualifier is the unwavering support of the local fans. Even the opposition has taken note of the intense environment. Netherlands head coach Neil MacRae acknowledged that the high-quality nature of the game was a direct result of the energy provided by the domestic crowd. The “12th man” effect in Kirtipur is a factor that Nepal hopes will carry them through the high-stakes battles against Zimbabwe and Scotland.
The dream of reaching a global showcase in England and Wales remains the ultimate motivator. For the players, it is about more than just a tournament; it is about proving that Nepal belongs on the world stage. As the group stage reaches its climax, the team is staying positive, focusing on building steady partnerships and maintaining the intensity required to overcome the final hurdles. The dream is still alive, and Nepal is ready to fight for every run and every wicket to make it a reality.