Nepal, the hosts for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, lost the tournament opener against Thailand by eight wickets at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Batting first, Nepal, who were 52/1 in the powerplay, were all out at 122 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Bindu Rawal led the innings with 44 off 56, including six boundaries.

Sonu Khadka provided a quick boost, scoring 26 from 11 balls with six fours. Puja Mahato contributed 12, while Rubina Chhetry’s 17 off 10 balls helped push Nepal past the 120-run mark.

Thipatcha Putthawong was the most successful Thai bowler, taking four wickets, while Onnicha Kamchomphu claimed two wickets.

In reply, Thailand reached the target in 16.5 overs, finishing at 125 runs at the loss of only two wickets. Natthakan Chantham anchored the innings with an unbeaten 57 from 39 balls, while Nannapat Koncharoenkai contributed a quick 32 off 25 deliveries.

Aphisara Suwanchonrathi added 28 runs before becoming the first wicket to fall. Nepal’s Sita Rana Magar managed to claim both Thai wickets, but the target proved too small for the visitors, who completed the chase comfortably with 19 balls to spare.

In the second match of the day at the TU Stadium, the Dutch side defeated Zimbabwe by 22 runs. Despite getting bundled out at 122 runs in 19 overs, the Netherlands defended the low total by restricting Zimbabwe to 100/8 in 20 overs.

Bangladesh and Ireland, meanwhile, won against the USA and Papua New Guinea (PNG), respectively, at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.

Bangladesh defeated the USA by 21 runs while defending 159. Managing 158/5 on the back of Sharmin Akhter’s 63, Bangladesh had the USA reach only 137 runs at the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs.

Similarly, batting first, Ireland posted 146/6 with Orla Prendergast’s 56 and Gaby Lewis’ 42. In response, Papua New Guinea could only manage 105/6 in the allocated overs.

With a gap day on Monday, the two venues will host four matches on Tuesday. Bangladesh will face Papua New Guinea, and Scotland opens the tournament against the Netherlands at the TU International Cricket Stadium. At Upper Mulpani, Thailand will face Zimbabwe and Namibia will play their first match of the Qualifier against the USA.

Nepal’s second match of the Qualifier is against the Netherlands on Thursday.