Thailand Women defeated Nepal Women by eight wickets in the opening match of Group B in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier at Kirtipur, chasing down 123 runs with 19 balls to spare.

Put to bat first, Nepal managed 122 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Bindu Rawal led the innings with a measured 44 off 56 deliveries, 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.

However, wickets fell at regular intervals, and the middle and lower order failed to accelerate the scoring. Sita Rana Magar and Somu Bist were dismissed for a duck, leaving Nepal all out for 122 runs.

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 for 2. Natthakan Chantham anchored the innings with an unbeaten 57 from 39 balls, striking one six and nine fours, 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 plenty of overs remaining.