SATV 19 May, Kathmandu: Nepal has, for the first time, secured a place in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, marking a historic milestone in the nation's cricketing journey.

Nepal clinched the spot after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by five wickets in a decisive match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Asia Qualifier. With this victory, Nepal finished among the top two teams in the Super 3 stage, thereby earning qualification for the global event.

The Global Qualifier, scheduled for later this year, will feature ten teams, including Nepal. The top four teams from the qualifier will advance to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in England.

In the match played today at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Thailand, the UAE won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a total of 114 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Nepal successfully chased the target of 115 runs, reaching it in 19.3 overs with the loss of five wickets. Captain Indu Barma led from the front with an unbeaten 30 runs, while Rubina Chhetri contributed 23 runs, Samjhana Khadka added 21, Puja Mahato made 13, Rajmati Airi scored 8, and Ruby Podar remained not out on 6 runs.

On the bowling front, UAE's Michel Both, Suraksha Kote, Vaishnavi Mahesh, and captain Esha Oza each claimed one wicket.

Earlier, UAE's batting was anchored by captain Esha Oza, who top-scored with 39 runs, followed by Tirth Sathish (21), Heena Hotchandani (20), and Labhnya Keny (12).

Nepal's bowlers were instrumental in restricting the UAE to a manageable total. Manisha Upadhyay delivered a standout performance, taking 4 wickets, while Kavita Kunwar claimed 2, and Rajmati Airi took 1 wicket.

In a previous Super 3 match, Thailand secured its berth in the Global Qualifier by defeating the UAE by 54 runs. Nepal is now set to face Thailand in their final Super 3 match on Tuesday.