Thailand could not have asked for a better start to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026. They currently sit comfortably on top of Group B with a strong NRR of +1.326 following their impressive 8-wicket win over hosts Nepal. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe finds itself in a bit of a dilemma. Despite Christabel Chatonjwa’s courageous five-wicket haul, they fell short by 22 runs against the Netherlands. They are currently third in the group with 0 points and an NRR of -1.100, making this upcoming encounter against the group leaders a vital win to stay in the hunt for the Super Six.
Squad:
zimbabwe women’s cricket team
Adele Zimunu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Nyasha Gwanzura, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Dear Biza, Christabel Chatonzwa, Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Chiedza Dhururu, Modest Mupachikwa, Francesca Chipare, Kudzai Chigora, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Lorraine Tsuma, Nomvelo Sibanda
Thailand women’s cricket team
Apisara Suwanchonrathi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Naruemol Chaiwai, Natthakan Chantham, Rosenan Kanoh, Chanida Suthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannaphat Konchroenkai, Suwanan Khiyaoto, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Phannita Maya, Suleporn Laomi, Thipcha Puthavong.
Will keep an eye on players:
Nyasha Gwanzura
Nyasha provided a spark of energy for Zimbabwe, and contributed a quickfire 27 runs during her time at the crease. He displayed an aggressive approach and hit three fours and a six with a highly impressive strike rate of 168.75. Even in low-scoring games, his ability to find the boundary was a clear highlight for his team.
Christabel Chatonzwa
Christabel performed brilliantly with the ball and destroyed the opposition team, taking 5 wickets for just 22 runs. His spell was the highlight of the match, as he made life difficult for every batsman he faced and ultimately took five wickets. With an economy of 5.50, it was both restrictive and incredibly lethal.
Naththakan Chantham
Natthakan played a vital, unbeaten role in Thailand’s successful chase, scoring 57 runs off just 39 balls. She looked in complete command and hit nine fours and a six to ensure her team reached the target in plenty of time. Her strike rate of 146.15 highlights how dangerous she can be when set.
Thipacha Puthavong
Thipacha was instrumental in restricting the opposition by returning clinical figures of 4/27 from his four overs. He bowled with great control, never letting the batsmen settle and ended the day with a solid economy of 6.75. This four wickets firmly establishes him as a major weapon for Thailand in these conditions.
intonation:
Mulpani Cricket Ground offers a balanced turf wicket with the right bounce and pace, which later helps the fast bowlers before catching the spin. The T20 record of 13 matches shows an average first innings score of 151, with teams bowling first winning 8. The quick outfield and boundaries of 60–70 meters encourage aggressive cricket.
Season:
The weather will remain exactly the same, it will be sunny throughout the day. The maximum temperature will be 19°C, dropping to a low of 5°C after dark. Humidity will be around 50% with a light breeze of 6 mph coming from the west, making for excellent playing conditions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nannaphat Chaihan, Natthakan Chantham, Nattaya Boochatham, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Thipcha Puthavong, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Nyasha Gwanjura, Christabel Chatonzwa, Chiedza Dhururu, Lorraine Tsuma, Nomvelo Sibanda.
Match Details:
date – 20 January 2025
Time – 8:45 am IST
venue – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Nepal
broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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