Historic moment for Netherlands as they confirm their spot at the ICC Women's World Cup 2026 after beating USA in the first round of Super Six fixtures of Global Qualifiers in Nepal. It will be their first-ever appearance for the women's team in a T20 World Cup to be held in England and Wales.

Scotland trounced USA by 21 runs (DLS method) extending their perfect run in the tournament. Meanwhile, Scotland find themselves within touching distance of their berth at the marquee tournament after a win against Ireland.

USA 129-7 (20 overs)

Gargi Bhogle 36 (37), Isani Vaghela 32* (35); Hannah Landheer 3-30

Netherlands 90-2 (12 overs)

Phebe Molkenboer 46* (43) Heather Siegers 28 (12); Ritu Singh 1-16 

Netherlands won by 21 runs (DLS Method)

Netherlands were cruising at 90 for 2 while chasing USA's target of 130 before rain intervened and eventually forced the officials to call the game off, 12 overs into the second innings. At the time, the Netherlands were well ahead on the DLS method.

The USA, after choosing to bat, started cautiously but ultimately the persistence and pressure applied by the Dutch bowlers resulted in the wicket of Chetna Pagydyala at 12 (20) with Heather Siegers providing the breakthrough.

Gargi Bhogle 36 (37) and Isani Vaghela 32* (35) were the only batters that managed to settle at the crease but failed to score with a high strike rate. 

Hannah Landheer conceded 30 runs in her spell of four overs but finished with three wickets to her name, while Caroline de Lange chipped in with two.

A late counter-attack by Pooja Ganesh 15 (7) pushed the USA to 129-7 at the end of the 20 overs.

The pressure to perform when it mattered the most may seem daunting, but not to Siegers who pummeled 28 runs from 12 balls, with fearless batting showing no remorse to the bowlers.

Her fellow opener, Phebe Molkenboer anchored the innings with 46* (43), holding one end. The knock would have done a world of good to her confidence especially when she was struggling with bad run of form in the lead up to the tournament.

Scotland 160-5 (20 overs)

Sarah Bryce 47 (31), Katherine Fraser 36 (26); Jane Maguire 2-20

Ireland 121 all out (19.2 overs)

Gaby Lewis 41 (37) Louise Little 17* (13); Kathryn Bryce 4-21 

Scotland won by 39 runs

When the two sides previously met in the format, Scotland had knocked out Ireland from T20 World Cup Qualification in 2024 with Kathryn Bryce getting player of the match. 

Both teams head into the crucial first match of the Super Six with three wins and one defeat in the league stage, it was Ireland that won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Alan Dalzell struck first, dismissing Darcey Carter 11 (16) with the ball falling in Jane Maguire’s hands, the first of three catches she would take. 

Maguire was involved in every wicket in the innings, adding to the catches with two wickets with the ball, both being bowled, taking out Ailsa Lister early and dismissing the other opener in Katherine Fraser who was controlling the innings with a fabulous knock of 36 (26).

Skipper Kathryn Bryce, strung together a well-paced 30 runs in 23 balls in the middle overs, giving the side a good platform.

Sarah Bryce 47 (31) and Megan McColl 27* (15) put up a partnership worth 49 runs from 26 balls, their incredibly strong end to the innings saw Scotland reach 160-5 at the end of 20 overs.

Kathryn gave Scotland a dream start in the second innings, dismissing Coulter Reilly with no runs on the board, the captain added to her tally with the huge wicket of Orla Prendergast 7 (6) as she ran through the Irish side with two more wickets to her name ending with figures of 4-21.

Ireland skipper Gaby Lewis was the standout batter of the innings, she was dropped by Darcey Carter on an Abtaha Maqsood ball on 38 runs, but could not make major use of the lifeline ultimately being sent back to the pavilion at 41 runs as Ireland succumbed to defeat by 39 runs against a Scotland side that look unbeatable.

Ireland will hope the ghosts of 2024 don't haunt them as Kathryn Bryce was once again awarded player of the match for her crucial efforts with bat and ball.