“Group of Death Revealed! Bangladesh & Ireland in Danger? Full Schedule & Squads Inside”
The dream of lifting the World Cup trophy begins here. While the giants of the game await in England and Wales, the “battle before the battle” is set to explode in the mountains of Nepal.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 is not just another tournament; it is a lifeline. Starting January 18, 2026, ten of the world’s best Associate and lower-ranked Full Member nations will descend upon Kathmandu with a single goal: to secure one of the four available spots for the main event.2
With high stakes, passionate crowds expected at Kirtipur, and a ruthless format where one bad game can end a four-year dream, this tournament promises to be a thriller. Here is everything you need to know about the teams, the schedule, and the stars ready to shine.
The Format: How Qualification Works
This year, the stakes are higher than ever. Unlike previous editions where only two teams might qualify, the ICC has opened the door wider.
- Total Teams: 10
- World Cup Spots: 4
- Host Nation: Nepal
- Venues: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground & Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.
The Structure:
The 10 teams are split into two groups of five. They will play a single round-robin format (everyone plays everyone once in their group).
- Group Stage: Top 3 teams from each group advance to the Super Six.
- Super Six: The intensity ramps up.
- The Prize: At the end of the Super Six stage, the Top 2 teams from each group (Total 4) book their tickets to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
Group Analysis: The “Group of Death” Revealed
The draw has thrown up some fascinating contests.
Group A: The “Heavyweights”
Featuring Full Members and dangerous Associates.
| Team | Strength | Key Player |
| Bangladesh | Favorite: Full Member nation with immense experience. | Nigar Sultana Joty |
| Ireland | Contender: Dangerous top order and disciplined bowling. | Gaby Lewis |
| USA | Dark Horse: A rising force with diverse talent. | Tara Norris |
| Papua New Guinea | Wildcard: Athletic and capable of upsets. | Brenda Tau |
| Namibia | Underdog: Looking to make a mark globally. | Suné Wittmann |
Analysis: Bangladesh and Ireland are the clear favorites on paper, but the USA (featuring Tara Norris) is the team that could ruin the party.
Group B: The “Host’s Challenge”
Nepal will have the home crowd, but the competition is fierce.
| Team | Strength | Key Player |
| Thailand | Tactical Genius: Known for spin and fielding. | Nannapat Koncharoenkai |
| Scotland | Powerhouse: Bryce sisters bring professional experience. | Kathryn Bryce |
| Zimbabwe | Resilient: Strong batting depth. | Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano |
| Netherlands | European Flair: Solid technique. | Babette de Leede |
| Nepal | Home Advantage: Massive crowd support. | Rubina Chhetri |
Analysis: This group is incredibly tight. Thailand and Scotland are technically strong, but Nepal playing at home in Kirtipur introduces a massive “12th Man” factor.
Complete Match Schedule & Fixtures
Mark your calendars. The action begins on Sunday, January 18.
Week 1: The Group Stages
| Date | Match | Teams | Venue |
| Jan 18 | 1 | Nepal vs Thailand | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 18 | 2 | USA vs Bangladesh | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 18 | 3 | Zimbabwe vs Netherlands | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 18 | 4 | Ireland vs PNG | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 20 | 5 | PNG vs Bangladesh | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 20 | 6 | Zimbabwe vs Thailand | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 20 | 7 | Scotland vs Netherlands | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 20 | 8 | Namibia vs USA | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 22 | 9 | Nepal vs Netherlands | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 22 | 10 | Ireland vs USA | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 22 | 11 | Bangladesh vs Namibia | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 22 | 12 | Scotland vs Zimbabwe | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 24 | 13 | Thailand vs Scotland | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 24 | 14 | PNG vs Namibia | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 24 | 15 | Nepal vs Zimbabwe | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 24 | 16 | Bangladesh vs Ireland | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 26 | 17 | Nepal vs Scotland | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 26 | 18 | USA vs PNG | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 26 | 19 | Namibia vs Ireland | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 26 | 20 | Netherlands vs Thailand | Upper Mulpani |
Week 2: The Super Six & Finals Phase
Matches to decide the World Cup spots.
| Date | Match | Teams (Projected) | Venue |
| Jan 28 | 21 | Group B 2nd vs Group A 2nd | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 28 | 22 | Group B 3rd vs Group A 1st | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 28 | 23 | Group A 3rd vs Group B 1st | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 30 | 24 | Group A 1st vs Group B 2nd | Tribhuvan University |
| Jan 30 | 25 | Group A 2nd vs Group B 1st | Upper Mulpani |
| Jan 30 | 26 | Group A 3rd vs Group B 3rd | Tribhuvan University |
| Feb 01 | 27 | Group A 2nd vs Group B 3rd | Tribhuvan University |
| Feb 01 | 28 | Group A 1st vs Group B 1st | Upper Mulpani |
| Feb 01 | 29 | Group B 2nd vs Group A 3rd | Tribhuvan University |
Squads: Who Are The Stars?
Every team has brought their best. Here is a look at the confirmed squads for the top contenders.
1. Bangladesh Women (The Favorites)
- Captain: Nigar Sultana Joty
- Squad: Nahida Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Farzana Haque, Sharmin Akter Supta, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun.
- X-Factor: Marufa Akter – Her pace can rattle associate batting lineups.
2. Ireland Women (The Challengers)
- Captain: Gaby Lewis
- Squad: Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell.
- X-Factor: Orla Prendergast – A genuine all-rounder who can win matches with bat and ball.3
3. Scotland Women (The Bryce Era)
- Captain: Kathryn Bryce
- Squad: 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.
- X-Factor: Kathryn Bryce – One of the best players in Associate cricket, recently seen in franchise leagues.
4. Nepal Women (The Hosts)
- Key Players: Indu Barma, Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetri.
- Strategy: Utilize the spin-friendly conditions at Tribhuvan University to choke the opposition.
5. USA Women (The Rising Stars)
- Captain: Aditiba Chudasama
- Key Players: Tara Norris, Geetika Kodali.
- Note: Keep an eye on Tara Norris, the only Associate player to take a 5-wicket haul in the WPL (Women’s Premier League).
Key Battles to Watch
- Nepal vs Thailand (Jan 18): The tournament opener. A classic Asian rivalry. Thailand’s fielding vs Nepal’s passion.
- Bangladesh vs Ireland (Jan 24): A clash of two heavyweights in Group A. The winner likely tops the group.
- Scotland vs Zimbabwe (Jan 22): A physical battle. Zimbabwe’s power-hitting vs Scotland’s tactical discipline.
Where to Watch?
For fans across the globe, the ICC ensures coverage for these crucial qualifiers.
- Live Streaming: Available on ICC.tv (Global) and designated partners in specific regions.
- Live Scores: Detailed scorecards and ball-by-ball commentary will be available on cricket portals and the official ICC app.
Final Verdict: Who Will Make It?
Predicting T20 cricket is dangerous, but based on squad depth and conditions:
- Bangladesh (Spin depth suits Nepal pitches).
- Ireland (Professional structure).
- Thailand (Consistent performers in Asia).
- Scotland/Nepal (The fight for the 4th spot will be the story of the tournament).
The stage is set in Kathmandu. 10 Teams. 4 Spots. One Dream.
