Kathmandu: Hosts Nepal suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Thailand in their opening Group ‘B’ match of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers at the TU Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, on Sunday.

Sent in to bat first, Nepal were bowled out for 122 in 20 overs. Thailand comfortably chased down the target, reaching 125 for 2 in 16.5 overs.

Thai opener Natthakan Chantham starred with the bat, scoring an unbeaten half-century. She struck nine fours and a six in her 57-run 39. Wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai provided solid support with 32 off 25 balls, including six boundaries, before being trapped leg before by Sita Rana Magar.

Opener Aphisara Suwonchonrathi scored 28 off 32 balls, hitting two boundaries, before being bowled by Rana Magar.

Rana Magar was the pick of the Nepali bowlers, returning figures of 2 for 20 from her four overs.

Earlier, Nepal’s opener Bindu Rawal top-scored with 44 off 56 balls. She hit six boundaries before being bowled by Chanida Sutthiruang as the second wicket. She shared a 52-run opening partnership with Sonu Khadka, who chipped in with a quick 22 off 11 balls, including six fours.

Puja Mahato (12) and lower middle-order batter Rubina Chhetry (17) were the other Nepali players to reach double figures.

For Thailand, Thipatcha Puttawong was the standout bowler, claiming 4-27 from her four-over spell, while Onnicha Kamchomphu took two wickets.

Nepal will face the Netherlands in their second group match on Thursday.

The top three teams from both groups will advance to the Super Six stage, with the top four sides from the Super Six qualifying for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup finals.

Group ‘A’ features Bangladesh, Ireland, Namibia, Papua New Guinea and the USA, while Group ‘B’ includes Thailand, the Netherlands, Scotland, Zimbabwe and hosts Nepal.