The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 will determine which teams earn the final spots in the prestigious global tournament. The qualifier runs from January 20 to February 1, 2026, in Kirtipur, Nepal. This crucial tournament features 10 teams competing for World Cup qualification spots. The top 4 teams will qualify for the T20 World Cup.
The Nepal Cricket Association will host all matches at venues in Kirtipur and Mulpani. Teams will compete in group stages before advancing to the knockout rounds. The top teams from this qualifier will secure their places in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 Overview
The qualifier brings together emerging cricket nations and established teams seeking to secure their place in the World Cup. The tournament structure ensures competitive matches throughout the two-week period.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 |
| Dates | January 20 to February 1, 2026 |
| Host Country | Nepal |
| Host Cities | Kirtipur, Mulpani |
| Total Teams | 10 |
| Match Format | T20 (20 overs per side) |
| Daily Match Times | 8:45 AM and 12:45 PM (local time) |
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 Schedule And Groups
The tournament kicks off on January 18 with the Netherlands Women’s vs. Zimbabwe Women’s match. Matches are scheduled with two games per day at 8:45 AM and 12:45 PM local time.
| Date | Match Time | Teams | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 18, 2026 | 08:45 AM | Netherlands Women’s vs Zimbabwe Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 18, 2026 | 08:45 AM | Bangladesh Women’s vs United States of America Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 18, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Ireland Women’s vs Papua New Guinea Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 18, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Nepal Women’s vs Thailand Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 20, 2026 | 08:45 AM | Bangladesh Women’s vs Papua New Guinea Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 20, 2026 | 08:45 AM | Thailand Women’s vs Zimbabwe Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 20, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Netherlands Women’s vs Scotland Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 20, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Namibia Women’s vs United States of America Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 22, 2026 | 8:45 AM | Ireland Women’s vs United States of America Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 22, 2026 | 8:45 AM | Nepal Women’s vs Netherlands Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 22, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Bangladesh Women’s vs Namibia Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 22, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Scotland Women’s vs Zimbabwe Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 24, 2026 | 8:45 AM | Scotland Women’s vs Thailand Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 24, 2026 | 8:45 AM | Namibia Women’s vs Papua New Guinea Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 24, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Nepal Women’s vs Zimbabwe Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 24, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Bangladesh Women’s vs Ireland Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 26, 2026 | 8:45 AM | Nepal Women’s vs Scotland Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 26, 2026 | 8:45 AM | Papua New Guinea Women’s vs United States of America Women’s | Mulpani |
| January 26, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Ireland Women’s vs Namibia Women’s | Kirtipur |
| January 26, 2026 | 12:45 PM | Netherlands Women vs Thailand Women | Mulpani |
| January 28, 2026 | 8:45 AM | A1 vs B3 | Kirtipur |
| January 28, 2026 | 8:45 AM | A2 vs B2 | Mulpani |
| January 28, 2026 | 12:45 PM | A3 vs B1 | Kirtipur |
| January 30, 2026 | 8:45 AM | A1 vs B2 | Mulpani |
| January 30, 2026 | 8:45 AM | A2 vs B1 | Kirtipur |
| January 30, 2026 | 12:45 PM | A3 vs B3 | Mulpani |
| February 1, 2026 | 8:45 AM | A2 vs B3 | Kirtipur |
| February 1, 2026 | 8:45 AM | A1 vs B1 | Mulpani |
| February 1, 2026 | 12:45 PM | A3 vs B2 | Kirtipur |
There are 20 league-stage matches, followed by 9 Super Six matches. Table toppers of the groups will advance to the super six, and 4 teams from the super six will advance to the T20 World Cup
| Group A Teams | Group B Teams |
|---|---|
| United States of America | Nepal |
| Bangladesh | Thailand |
| Ireland | Zimbabwe |
| Papua New Guinea | Scotland |
| Namibia | Netherlands |
Teams Participating in the Qualifier
Ten nations compete for the remaining World Cup qualification spots:
Confirmed Teams:
- Bangladesh Women
- Papua New Guinea Women
- Thailand Women
- Zimbabwe Women
- Netherlands Women
- Scotland Women
- Namibia Women
- United States of America Women
- Ireland Women
- Nepal Women (Host)
Nepal enters with home advantage, while Bangladesh and Zimbabwe bring significant international experience. The Netherlands and Scotland have shown consistent improvement in European cricket. The USA team continues its development following recent investments in women’s cricket.
Match Venues in Kirtipur and Mulpani
All qualifier matches take place in Kirtipur & Mulpani, cities known for their cricket facilities and passionate fans. The venues offer ideal conditions for T20 cricket, with excellent pitches and modern facilities.
1. Mulpani cricket stadium
2. Kirtipur cricket stadium
The Kirtipur grounds have hosted numerous international matches and provide:
- Quality playing surfaces are maintained to international standards
- Covered seating areas for spectators
- Practice facilities for all participating teams
- Media and broadcasting infrastructure
Live Streaming and Broadcasting
Cricket fans can follow the qualifier action through various broadcasting partners:
Live Streaming Platforms:
- ICC.tv (Global coverage)
- FanCode (Indian subcontinent)
- Official Nepal Cricket YouTube channel
- Regional sports networks
Broadcasting Partners:
- Nepal Television (Host broadcaster)
- Regional sports channels across participating nations
Live scores and updates will be available on the ICC website and official cricket apps.
Ticket Information and Pricing
The Nepal Cricket Association has made tickets free of cost.
Qualification Format
The exact qualification structure determines how many teams advance to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Teams earn points through the group stage:
- Win: 2 points
- No Result: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
Net run rate serves as the primary tiebreaker when teams finish level on points. The tournament follows ICC playing conditions for all matches.
Weather Considerations
January and February offer ideal cricket weather in Kirtipur with:
- Clear skies and minimal rain probability
- Daytime temperatures between 15-20°C
- Cool mornings require warm clothing for early matches
- Excellent visibility for day matches
The tournament schedule includes reserve days for any matches affected by weather.
Player Squads and Regulations
Each team can register up to 15 players for the qualifier. Key regulations include:
- Squad announcements due by January 15, 2026
- Injury replacements allowed with ICC approval
- All players must meet ICC eligibility requirements
- Teams must include at least one wicketkeeper
Suggested Reads:
Conclusion: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026
From January 20 to February 1, 2026, Kirtipur becomes the center of women’s cricket as 12 teams compete for World Cup qualification. With matches scheduled at 8:45 AM and 12:45 PM daily, fans can enjoy multiple games throughout the tournament.
The qualifier provides crucial opportunities for emerging cricket nations while established teams aim to secure their World Cup spots. Nepal’s hosting adds extra excitement, with home support expected to create a memorable atmosphere. Follow every match as teams pursue their World Cup dreams in this important qualifier tournament.
Leave a Comment