In a trailblazing career, Connor has overseen the transformation of women’s and girls’ cricket in England and Wales for more than 18 years at the ECB.

She has led women’s cricket from an amateur game into a professional era, introducing the first central contracts for England Women, and overseeing the introduction of a professional structure and professional contracts for domestic female players. As well as these game-changing developments at the performance end of the sport, she also led the delivery of a five-year action plan that has resulted in cricket becoming one of the fastest growing grassroots sports for women and girls.

Connor’s impact on cricket – and the wider women’s sport landscape – has already been recognised and celebrated. She has been awarded the MBE, OBE and CBE for services to women’s sport. She served for two terms on the Sport England Board and became the first woman to sit on the ICC Cricket Committee before chairing the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee, a role she has held for over a decade. In 2021-22 she was the first female President of MCC and then spent nearly a year as the ECB’s Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2022-23.

Clare Connor said: “Helping to grow women’s cricket for the past 18 years has been an absolute privilege. Having fallen in love with the game in a quite different era from the one we are in now, my goals as an administrator have been firmly rooted in making cricket more equal for women and girls. For it to be as normal for a girl to pick up a cricket bat as a boy. For a young woman to know – not just dream – that she can become a professional cricketer.

“To have played a part in removing some of the barriers that were preventing those things from being possible and to know that cricket is now a more inclusive and more gender‑balanced sport, is deeply rewarding.

“I am so grateful to have worked with many brilliant colleagues and players over the years, many of whom I can call lifelong friends. Their commitment, drive and belief to do the right thing for our sport has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today and working alongside them has shaped my experience in ways I will always cherish. What we’ve achieved together has exceeded anything I could have dreamed of when I embarked on this journey 18 years ago.

“Of course, a job like this is never ‘done’ but I am proud to have done my bit. This has been the job of a lifetime so deciding to leave has been an extremely hard decision. This summer’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup feels like the right time for me to end this chapter, confident that the momentum we’ve built will carry women’s cricket forward into the bold, bright future it deserves.”

As England captain, Connor led England Women to their first Ashes win in 42 years in 2005 before retiring the following year with more than 100 international appearances to her name. She combined her 10-year international playing career as an amateur with a career in teaching.

She joined the ECB in 2008 as the only employee with sole focus on women’s cricket. As Director of England Women’s Cricket, she oversaw a transformational period for the game including a double triumph by England women in two ICC global events and an Ashes win in 2009, the introduction of professional contracts for 18 players in 2014 and the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup win at Lord’s.

After becoming the ECB’s Managing Director of Women’s Cricket in 2019, with responsibility for grassroots cricket through to the England team, she led the creation of the Transforming Women’s and Girls’ Cricket Action Plan which secured multi million-pound investment to turbocharge the growth of women’s cricket at every level.

After a spell as Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2022, she became Deputy Chief Executive Officer in addition to her role as Managing Director for England Women in 2023, with that year’s thrilling Women’s Ashes series smashing attendance records. She also co-ordinated the response to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report, bringing the game together to formulate a wide-ranging response to the issues raised.

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Clare has been one of the most influential figures in cricket. Her leadership, vision and determination have transformed the game in this country and laid foundations that will benefit generations to come.

“We will miss Clare hugely and owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for everything she has done for cricket. Having overseen a home World Cup win in 2017, I hope that this year’s T20 World Cup on home soil can provide a fitting finale to her time at the ECB.”

Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said: “I’m incredibly thankful to Clare for all she has given, and everything she has achieved. From driving professionalisation to championing opportunities for women and girls on and off the pitch, she has changed the game in ways that are profound and lasting.

“She has made our sport more inclusive and will leave a remarkable legacy, not least that girls growing up today can dream of becoming a professional cricketer and know that it can now become a reality. Thank you, Clare.”

With thanks to the ECB

Ireland comfortably beat Thailand by 62 runs to seal their ticket to this summer’s tournament, before Scotland got past the USA by 41 runs.

Bangladesh also wrapped up their campaign with a seven-wicket win over the Netherlands to ensure they finished with a perfect record in Nepal, with both sides already qualified ahead of the encounter.

Ireland qualify in style

Ireland showed no signs of any final day nerves, as they swept past Thailand to ensure qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Arlene Kelly and Lara McBride starred with the ball, finishing with four for seven and three for six respectively, as Thailand were bowled out for 59 in pursuit of 122.

Ireland made a steady start in Kirtipur, with opener Amy Hunter hitting 24 off 15 balls before falling while Gaby Lewis (25) and Orla Prendergast (24) both made starts before departing in consecutive overs.

Ireland then fell from 79 for three to 96 for seven before a late flurry from Louise Little (14) and Jane Maguire (15 not out) pushed the final total to 121 for eight.

It ultimately mattered little, as Thailand struggled to threaten with the bat.

Openers Natthakan Chantham (8) and Nannaphat Chaihan (0) both departed inside two overs to leave Thailand eight for two.

Capain Naruemol Chaiwai (22) and Nannapat Koncharoenkai (15) were able to steady the ship but wickets continued to fall around them.

Kelly swept through the middle order as Thailand slipped from 51 for five to 59 all out.

Scotland get past USA

Scotland then followed Ireland in booking their place at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a 41-run victory over the USA.

Opener Darcey Carter crashed 52 off 34 balls to help Scotland to an imposing 178 for eight, which proved more than enough as the USA were dismissed for 137 in reply.

Carter set the tone from the off for Scotland and built the perfect foundations despite the loss of Katherine Fraser (17) and Kathyrn Bryce (0) in consecutive balls to Tara Norris.

Ailsa Lister took up the mantle, hitting 43 off 32 while Priyanaz Chatterji hit 39 off 28 as big hitting drove Scotland to their biggest total of the qualifier.

They then made the perfect start with the ball as Disha Dhingra fell second ball to Bryce, but the USA rebuilt through Chetna Pagydyala (24) and Ella Claridge (35).

They then fell in consecutive overs and the USA struggled to keep pace with the required run rate, eventually finishing all out for 137 with an over to spare.

Bangladesh maintain perfect record

Bangladesh made it seven wins from seven to seal top spot at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier with a comfortable seven-wicket win over the Netherlands.

Both sides had already sealed qualification but a place at the top of the table was on offer, and Nigar Sultana Joty produced a captain’s innings to drive her side to victory.

Nigar hit an unbeaten half century off just 44 balls and paired superbly with Sobhana Mostary (33 not out) as Bangladesh easily reached their target with three overs to spare.

Some economical bowling restricted the Netherlands to 102 from their 20 overs despite the best efforts of Robine Rijke (39) and Sanya Khurana, who retired hurt on 43.

However, no other batter reached double figures as Nahida Akter took three for 10 including the top order wickets of Heather Siegers (1) and Babette De Leede (4).

That left Bangladesh with 103 to win and despite the early losses of Dilara Akter (4) and Juairiya Ferdous (0) in the opening two overs, Nigar and Sobhana combined to seal a perfect qualifying campaign for Bangladesh.

Scores in brief

Ireland v Thailand at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Ireland 121/8 in 20 overs (Gaby Lewis 25, Amy Hunter 24; Suleeporn Laomi 4/24, Sunida Chaturongrattana 2/23)

Thailand 59 all out in 16.1 overs (Naruemol Chaiwai 22, Nannapat Koncharoenkai 15; Arlene Kelly 4/7, Lara McBride 3/6)

Result: Ireland win by 62 runs

Scotland v USA at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Scotland 178/8 in 20 overs (Darcey Carter 52, Ailsa Lister 43; Tara Norris 3/33, Maahi Madhavan 2/23)

USA 137 all out in 19 overs (Ella Claridge 35, Chetna Pagydyala 24; Priyanaz Chatterji 2/11, Chloe Abel 2/16)

Result: Scotland win by 41 runs

Bangladesh v Netherlands at Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu

Netherlands 102/6 in 20 overs (Sanya Khurana 43, Robine Rijke 39; Nahida Akter 3/10, Marufa Akter 1/14)

Bangladesh 105/3 in 16.4 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 50 not out, Sobhana Mostary 33 not out; Heather Siegers 1/9, Iris Zwilling 1/16)

Result: Bangladesh win by 7 wickets

With thanks to the ICC

Bangladesh continued their unbeaten run with a 90-run win over Scotland, while the USA got points on the board at the Super Six stage with victory over Thailand.

Ireland and Scotland go into the final fixtures on Sunday in pole position to secure the last two spots at this summer’s tournament.

Paul and Prendergast power Ireland to big win

Leah Paul’s 39 and Orla Prendergast’s three for 13 set up Ireland’s 98-run win over the Netherlands as they moved into third in the Super Six table.

Amy Hunter (34) and Gaby Lewis (20) put on 41 for the opening wicket before Paul steered Ireland through a tricky period to set an above-par total.

Hannah Landheer took important middle and lower order wickets with figures of three for 35 as Ireland ended on 143 for nine.

The Netherlands, who sealed their qualification on Wednesday, never got going in reply as they twice lost three wickets without adding a run to the score, at one stage sliding to 26 for eight.

Prendergast and Jane Maguire (3/9) did the bulk of the damage as the Netherlands were bowled out for 45 in the 15th over.

Sobhana shines again for Bangladesh

Sobhana Mostary played her part in her second century stand in as many games to guide Bangladesh to a 90-run win over Scotland.

Having chosen to bat, openers Dilara Akter (39) and Juairiya Ferdous (22) put on 67 for the first wicket.

Nigar Sultana Joty and Sobhana (47) then took over moving Bangladesh from 86 for three to 186 for four.

Captain Nigar ended on 56 not out from 35 balls with five fours and three sixes as Bangladesh set Scotland an imposing 192 to win.

Scotland were in trouble early, slipping to nine for two and then 35 for five, before Megan McColl (14) and Priyanaz Chatterji (20) rallied.

Pippa Sproul top scored with 27 not out, but as those around her fell cheaply, Scotland ended comfortably adrift of their target.

USA win crucial clash

Tara Norris’ three wickets helped the USA to a 28-run win over Thailand to earn their first points at the Super Six stage and end their opponents’ hopes of qualifying.

After electing to bat, the USA slipped to 43 for three when Chetna Pagydyala (18) became the second of Onnicha Kamchompu’s three wickets.

Pooja Ganesh (35 not out) and Norris (18) made important contributions but the USA twice lost wickets in consecutive deliveries to post 128 all out in the 20th over.

In reply, Thailand were in trouble at 12 for two before Nannapat Koncharoenkai (28) and Naruemol Chaiwai (31) gave their side hope.

However, economical bowling from Maahi Madhavan (2/19) and Geetika Kodali (3/13) meant they were well behind the run rate in the closing overs before being bowled out for 100.

Scores in brief

Ireland v Netherlands – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal

Ireland 143/9 in 20 overs (Leah Paul 39, Amy Hunter 34; Hannah Landheer 3/35, Caroline De Lange 2/15)

Netherlands 45 all out in 14.5 overs (Iris Zwilling 10, Caroline De Lange 6; Jane Maguire 3/9, Orla Prendergast 3/13)

Result: Ireland win by 98 runs

Bangladesh v Scotland – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal

Bangladesh 191/5 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 56 not out, Sobhana Mostary 47; Katherine Fraser 1/39, Priyanaz Chatterji 1/40)

Scotland 101/9 in 20 overs (Pippa Sproul 27 not out, Megan McColl 20; Marufa Akter 3/25, Shorna Akter 2/13)

Result: Bangladesh win by 90 runs

USA v Thailand – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal

USA 128 all out in 19.5 overs (Pooja Ganesh 35 not out, Tara Norris 18; Onnicha Kamchomphu 3/16, Sunida Chaturongrattana 2/23)

Thailand 100 all out in 19 overs (Naruemol Chaiwai 31, Nannapat Koncharoenkai 28; Tara Norris 3/22, Geetika Kodali 2/13)

Result: USA win by 28 runs

With thanks to the ICC

Ireland secured second spot in Group A by beating Namibia while in Group B, hosts Nepal were eliminated after defeat to Scotland, ensuring Thailand went through despite losing to the Netherlands.

USA prevail in winner-takes-all clash

Both Papua New Guinea and the USA sat on two points going into this decisive clash and PNG batted first.

Konio Oala struck two sixes in her 41 from 40 balls but the American bowlers kept a handle on their opponents, with Tara Norris conceding just 12 in her four overs and Isani Vaghela similarly economical, just 14 coming off her four.

Pauke Siaka injected some late momentum with her 26 as PNG finished on 110 for five, Lekha Shetty taking three for 27.

Chetna Pagydyala and Gargi Bhogle got the reply off to a strong start, adding 69 for the first wicket before Bhogle fell for 35 in the 12th over.

Pagydyala followed for 32 to Dika Lohia, who took two for seven as the USA stumbled towards the line. But they had wickets in hand and Ritu Singh’s unbeaten 13 helped them home with two overs to spare, continuing their participation in the competition at PNG’s expense.

Prendergast leads Ireland chase

Orla Prendergast impressed as Ireland made it three wins from four with a comfortable sevent-wicket win over Namibia, who bow out without a victory to their name.

Both Namibian openers fell for ducks, but Kayleen Green (32) and Wilka Mwatile (28) helped repair the damage.

They each fell to Lara McBride (3/17), while Jane Maguire chipped in with three for 31 as Namibia finished on 107 for eight.

Ireland lost Rebecca Stokell early in their reply, but Prendergast and Gaby Lewis added 59 for the second wicket.

Captain Lewis fell for 33 before Prendergast retired out on 39 from 28 balls, with six fours and a six. Leah Paul added an unbeaten 27 as Ireland reached their target with 5.4 overs remaining.

Scotland overpower Nepal

A fine performance with the ball saw Scotland record a 72-run win over Nepal which ended the hosts’ Super Six ambitions.

Scotland batted first and lost both openers in the first over, and they were 17 for three when captain Kathryn Bryce became a third scalp for Manisha Upadhayay (4/17).

Rubina Chhetry also impressed with three for 23 and Scotland needed a fine innings from Priyanaz Chatterji, who struck seven fours in her 45 not out from 28 balls, to steer them to 140, the 10th wicket falling from the last ball of the final over.

Nepal’s reply never got going and a particularly damaging spell saw them slip from 40 for three to 45 for six, all but ending their chances.

Abtaha Maqsood was the pick of the attack with three for 14 while Bryce and Katherine Fraser took two wickets apiece as the hosts were bowled out for 68 in the 14th over.

Netherlands continue unbeaten run

The Netherlands wrapped up top spot in Group B with a 17-run win over Thailand, who will join them in the Super Six.

Captain Babette De Leede’s run-a-ball 47 was integral to her side’s 107 for eight, Iris Zwilling adding an ultimately invaluable unbeaten 17 from number nine. Sunida Chaturongrattana led the Thai attack with three for 24.

Zwilling then began with a double wicket maiden to leave Thailand’s chase floundering but Natthakan Chantham (26) and skipper Naruemol Chaiwai (33) gave them a fighting chance.

The run rate kept climbing, however, with Zwilling finishing on three for nine from her four overs and Isabel Van Der Woning taking four for 14, and Thailand were bowled out for 90.

Scores in brief

USA v Papua New Guinea – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu

Papua New Guinea 110/5 in 20 overs (Konio Oala 41, Pauke Siaka 26; Lekha Shetty 3/27, Tara Morris 1/12)

USA 111/5 in 18 overs (Gargi Bhogle 35, Chetna Pagydyala 32; Dika Lohia 2/7, Henao Thomas 1/20)

Result: USA win by five wickets

Namibia v Ireland – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Namibia 107/8 in 20 overs (Kayleen Green 32, Wilka Mwatile 28; Lara McBride 3/17, Jane Maguire 3/31)

Ireland 110/3 in 14.2 overs (Orla Prendergast 39, Gaby Lewis 33; Wilka Mwatile 1/8, Saima Tuhadeleni 1/21)

Result: Ireland win by seven wickets

Nepal v Scotland – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Scotland 140 all out in 20 overs (Priyanaz Chatterji 45 not out, Ailsa Lister 22; Manisha Upadhayay 4/17, Rubina Chhetry 3/23)

Nepal 68 all out in 13.5 overs (Roma Thapa 14 not out, Bindu Rawal 14; Abtaha Maqsood 3/14, Katherine Fraser 2/11)

Result: Scotland win by 72 runs

Netherlands v Thailand – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu

Netherlands 107/8 in 20 overs (Babette De Leede 47, Iris Zwilling 17 not out; Sunida Chaturongrattana 3/24, Phannita Maya 2/22)

Thailand 90 all out in 20 overs (Naruemol Chaiwai 33, Natthakan Chantham 26; Isabel Van Der Woning 4/14, Iris Zwilling 3/9)

Result: Netherlands win by 17 runs

PNG beat Namibia with a thrilling run chase, before hosts Nepal were able to get past Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh stayed perfect with victory over Ireland, while Scotland boosted their qualification hopes with a win over Thailand.

PNG edge thriller to keep hopes alive

PNG beat Namibia with just two balls to spare to keep their Super 6 hopes alive.

Isabel Toua held her nerve to find the winning boundary in the final over to clinch a three-wicket victory for her side.

Namibia had set a target of 123 for victory, with opener Jurriene Diergaardt leading the way with 36.

Diergaardt stayed until the 15th over before she was trapped leg before by Dika Lohia, as Namibia eventually finished on 122 for five.

PNG got off to the perfect start in response through openers Hollan Doriga (39) and Konio Oala (20), who put on 58 for the first wicket.

They quickly slipped from 72 for two to 79 for five, with Sylvia Shihepo claiming three wickets in a devastating spell.

However, Sibona Jimmy (15) was able to steady the ship before Toua hit 15 off just 12 balls to ensure Papua New Guinea squeezed home.

Nepal remain in the hunt

Nepal gave themselves a chance of reaching the Super 6 with a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, who can no longer qualify.

Kelis Ndhlovu hit an unbeaten 52 off just 36 balls, and her partnership with Beloved Biza (34) was key to Zimbabwe’s run chase.

They looked well-placed for a big score before Puja Mahato removed Biza and Loreen Tshuma (0) was removed by Rubina Chhetry shortly after.

Ndhlovu continued undeterred but some disciplined bowling and two wickets for Riya Sharma allowed Nepal to limit Zimbabwe to 129.

Nepal looked to score quickly through openers Samjhana Khadka (9) and Bindu Rawal (15) before Mahato took charge.

She anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52 alongside captain Indu Barma (22) and found the boundary to hit the winning runs in the final over.

Bangladesh stay unbeaten

Bangladesh maintained their perfect record with a nine-run victory over Ireland.

A sparkling half-century from Sharmin Akhter, alongside key contributions from Dilara Akter (35) and Sobhana Mostary (30) helped Bangladesh to 153 for seven from their 20 overs.

That proved too much for Ireland, who fell just short in their chase despite captain Gaby Lewis leading the way with a brilliant 73.

Lewis hit 11 boundaries, including one maximum, off her 58 balls to drive Ireland most of the way alongside Amy Hunter (35 not out) before she fell to Rabeya Khan in the penultimate over.

That proved the decisive breakthrough as Bangladesh saw out the final over to seal top spot in Group A.

Scotland take step towards Super 6

Scotland eased past Thailand with a five-wicket victory to take a big step towards the Super 6.

Thailand struggled to get their innings going, as Aphisara Suwanchonrathi fell first ball to Kathryn Bryce.

They were further reduced to 26 for three before captain Naruemol Chaiwai took charge to pull her side to a defendable total.

Chaiwai crashed an unbeaten 73 off 55 balls and put on a strong partnership with Chanida Sutthiruang (22), as Thailand ultimately set Scotland 119 for victory.

They made the perfect start to their defence as Darcey Carter (0) was run out on the third ball, before Kathryn Bryce fell for eight the next over.

But Katherine Fraser’s quickfire 41 helped Scotland take control, before Sarah Bryce’s unbeaten 52 guided Scotland home with five overs to spare.

Scores in brief:

Thailand v Scotland, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal

Thailand 118 for six in 20 overs (Naruemol Chaiwai 73 not out, Chanida Sutthiruang 22; Katherine Fraser 2/25, Kathryn Bryce 1/11)

Scotland 124 for five in 14.4 overs (Sarah Bryce 52 not out, Katherine Fraser 41; Suleeporn Laomi 3/39, Thipatcha Putthawong 1/22)

Result: Scotland win by five wickets

Papua New Guinea v Namibia, Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal

Namibia 122 for five in 20 overs (Jurriene Diergaardt 36, Wilka Mwatile 23; Sibona Jimmy 2/18, Dika Lohia 1/9)

Papua New Guinea 124 for seven in 19.4 overs (Hollan Doriga 39, Konio Oala 20; Sylvia Shihepo 3/8, Jurriene Diergaardt 1/18)

Result: Papua New Guinea win by three wickets

Nepal v Zimbabwe, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal

Zimbabwe 129 for six in 20 overs (Kelis Ndhlovu 52 not out, Beloved Biza 34; Riya Sharma 2/25, Kabita Kunwar 1/16)

Nepal 133 for four in 19.3 overs (Puja Mahato 52 not out, Indu Barma 22; Josephine Nkomo 2/28, Christabel Chatonzwa 1/19)

Result: Nepal win by six wickets

Bangladesh v Ireland, Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal

Bangladesh 153 for seven in 20 overs (Sharmin Akhter 52, Dilara Akter 35; Jane Maguire 2/24, Arlene Kelly 2/44)

Ireland 144 for four in 20 overs (Gaby Lewis 73, Amy Hunter 35; Shorna Akter 2/17, Rabeya Khan 1/34)

Result: Bangladesh win by nine runs

With thanks to the ICC

Ireland beat the USA by 16 runs, Scotland picked up their first win of the tournament and Bangladesh remained undefeated and moved top of the Group A table.

Netherlands hold their nerve against Nepal

The Netherlands won on the final ball of their Group B match with Nepal, claiming victory by just two runs.

Babette De Leede and Sterre Kalis rescued the Netherlands from 15 for two, putting on 79 before Kalis departed for 30.

Skipper De Leede made 49 from 47 before being caught and bowled by Rubina Chhetry as the Netherlands made 140 for five, taking 13 crucial runs from the final over.

In reply, Nepal were routinely pegged back, reaching the halfway mark of the innings at 55 for four.

Chhetry (37) and Sita Magar (27) put on an unbroken stand of 45 for the eighth wicket, but needing six off the last ball, Chhetry could only manage four as the Netherlands hung on for their third win.

Kelly keeps Ireland on the charge

Arlene Kelly’s four for 20 led Ireland to a 16-run win over the USA for their second victory of the Qualifier.

Ireland opted to bat and were well-placed at 104 for three when Gaby Lewis departed for 42.

Leah Paul topped the scoring with 67 from 52 balls, including eight fours, before two late run outs gave the USA hope as Ireland posted 154 for seven.

Moderate top order scorers gave the USA a platform to build from when Chetna Pagydyala (22) became Kelly’s first wicket with the score at 64 for four.

Ritu Singh’s 41 from 30 balls gave her side hope, but those were snuffed out as Kelly halted the USA’s progress, taking two wickets in the final over to confirm victory.

Fraser sets up Scotland victory

Scotland’s middle order helped them through a wobble on their way to a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe chose to bat but lost both of their openers cheaply to sit at 24 for two in the fourth over.

Modester Mupachikwa steadied her side from number three but was unable to build a steady partnership.

Zimbabwe lost their final six wickets for just 23 runs, as Mupachikwa ended on 30 not out and Abtaha Maqsood claimed two wickets in two balls on the way to two for 14.

In reply to 101, Scotland lost Darcey Carter early before Katherine Fraser broke the back of the chase with 44 from 30.

Sarah Bryce and Ailsa Lister fell in the same Loreen Tshuma over to leave Scotland at 76 for four before Megan McColl (12 not out) and Priyanaz Chatterji (15 not out) steered their side home with 6.2 overs to spare.

Shanjida spins Bangladesh to big win

Four wickets for Shanjida Akther Maghla helped Bangladesh to an 80-run win as all 10 Namibia wickets fell to spin.

Dilara Akter set the tone at the top of the order for Bangladesh with 25 before Sobhana Mostary (27) and Nigar Sultana Joty (21) put on 46 for the fourth wicket.

Rabeya Khan (11) helped to negotiate a late order wobble as Bangladesh set Namibia 145 to win.

In response, captain Sune Wittmann made 19 at the top of the order but struggled for support.

Rabeya (three for five) and Shanjida (four for 14) took care of the middle and lower order before Fahima Khatun (three for 12) finished the job as Namibia were bowled out for 64.

Scores in brief

Nepal v Netherlands, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal

Netherlands 140/5 in 20 overs (Babette De Leede 49, Sterre Kalis 30; Rubina Chhetry 2/21, Riya Sharma 1/13)

Nepal 138/7 in 20 overs (Rubina Chhetry 37, Sita Magar 27; Isabel Van Der Woning 3/16, Caroline De Lange 1/17)

Result: Netherlands win by two runs

Ireland v USA, Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal

Ireland 154/7 in 20 overs (Leah Paul 67, Gaby Lewis 42; Tara Norris 3/10, Taranum Chopra 1/18)

USA 138/8 in 20 overs (Ritu Singh 41, Chetna Pagydyala 22; Arlene Kelly 4/20, Ava Canning 2/11)

Result: Ireland win by 16 runs

Scotland v Zimbabwe, Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal

Zimbabwe 101 all out in 18.4 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 30 not out, Chiedza Dhururu 22; Abtaha Maqsood 2/14, Rachel Slater 2/15)

Scotland 105/5 in 13.4 overs (Katherine Fraser 44, Kathryn Bryce 23; Loreen Tshuma 3/25, Nyasha Gwanzura 1/16)

Result: Scotland win by five wickets

Bangladesh v Namibia, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal

Bangladesh 144/7 in 20 overs (Sobhana Mostary 27, Dilara Akter 25; Sylvia Shihepo 2/21, Saima Tuhadeleni 2/34)

Namibia 64 all out in 17.5 overs (Sune Wittmann 19, Merczerly Gorases 12; Shanjida Akther Maghla 4/14, Rabeya Khan 3/5)

Result: Bangladesh win by 80 runs

The Dutch beat Scotland by seven runs, USA edged past Namibia by four wickets and in the closest game of the lot, Thailand defeated Zimbabwe by one run.

Bangladesh were more comfortable victors, beating Papua New Guinea by 30 runs to go two from two in Group A.

Netherlands hold off spirited Scotland

Sterre Kallis’ unbeaten 87 helped the Netherlands to a seven-run win over Scotland.

Kallis entered the fray with her side 27 for two but fired 14 fours and a six in her entertaining 60-ball knock to lead her side to 157 for six, with the next highest individual score 18.

Rachel Slater took three for 24 for Scotland, who were in the hunt throughout the reply thanks to contributions from Katherine Fraser (41), captain Kathryn Bryce (42) and her sister Sarah Bryce (30).

Thirteen runs from the penultimate over left Scotland needing 11 from the last but Heather Siegers held her nerve, conceding just three as the Dutch continued their winning start.

Claridge leads USA chase

Ella Claridge’s sparkling 70 led the USA to a four-wicket win over Namibia.

Yasmeen Khan dominated the Namibia innings, striking 11 fours and two sixes in her excellent 74 from 47 balls before being stumped by Claridge off the bowling of Tara Norris, who took three for 34.

Merczerly Gorases added 28 as Namibia finished on 144 for six, Isani Vaghela chipping in with two for 15 from three economical overs.

In reply, the USA were up against it on 75 for four in the 14th over but Claridge remained calm, stepping on the accelerator when her side needed 30 from the final three overs.

She fell for 70 from 51 having taken her side to the brink of victory, Ritu Singh adding a vital 21 from 10 as USA got home with four balls to spare.

Thailand win thriller against Zimbabwe

Thailand kept their cool to win a nerve-shredding encounter against Zimbabwe by one run, making it two wins from two.

Thailand batted first and lost Aphisara Suwanchonrathi to the second ball of the innings but wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai made 54 from 52 balls, while Natthakan Chantham hit two sixes in her entertaining 26.

Zimbabwe hit back with the ball, Adel Zimunu and Audrey Mazvishaya taking two wickets apiece, as Thailand slipped from 101 for three to 111 for seven, ultimately setting Zimbabwe 116 to win.

Opener Beloved Biza was run out without facing but Modester Mupachikwa (36) and Kelis Ndhlovu (28) kept their side in the hunt.

The equation came down to nine from the last over and two from the last ball, which Nyasha Gwanzura struck straight back to bowler Phannita Maya, who completed the run out and set off on a jubilant celebration.

Shorna stars for Bangladesh

Shorna Akter played a starring role as Bangladesh beat Papua New Guinea by 30 runs.

Dilara Akter (35) and Sharmin Akhter (28) laid the foundations before Shorna and Sobhana Mostary picked up the baton.

Shorna blasted four sixes in her 14-ball 37 while Sobhana added an unbeaten 34 from 24 as Bangladesh racked up 168 for five.

PNG were well set on 98 for two in the 14th over in reply but the dismissal of captain Brenda Tau for 35 halted their momentum.

Six Bangladesh bowlers took a wicket apiece, including Shorna and Sobhana, as they closed out a comfortable victory.

Scores in brief

Zimbabwe v Thailand – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu

Thailand 115/7 in 20 overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 54, Natthakan Chantham 26; Audrey Mazvishaya 2/21, Adel Zimunu 2/22)

Zimbabwe 114/6 in 20 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 36, Kelis Ndhlovu 28; Thipatcha Putthawong 2/27, Sunida Chaturongrattana 1/11)

Result: Thailand won by one run

Papua New Guinea v Bangladesh – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Bangladesh 168/5 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 37, Dilara Akter 35; Dika Lohia 1/25, Mairi Tom 1/37)

Papua New Guinea 138/9 in 20 overs (Brenda Tau 35, Sibona Jimmy 28; Shorna Akter 1/6, Sobhana Mostary 1/12)

Result: Bangladesh won by 30 runs

Scotland v Netherlands – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Netherlands 157/6 in 20 overs (Sterre Kallis 87 not out, Heather Siegers 18; Rachel Slater 3/24, Abtaha Maqsood 1/21)

Scotland 150/5 in 20 overs (Kathryn Bryce 42, Katherine Fraser 41; Caroline de Lange 2/27, Silver Siegers 1/18)

Result: Netherlands won by seven runs

Namibia v USA – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu

Namibia 144/6 in 20 overs (Yasmeen Khan 74, Merczerly Gorases 28; Tara Norris 3/34, Isani Vaghela 2/15)

USA 145/6 in 19.2 overs (Ella Claridge 70, Ritu Singh 21; Eveleen Kejaruka 2/25, Saima Tuhadeleni 2/28)

Result: USA won by four wickets

With thanks to the ICC

Chantham’s 57 not out helped Thailand to an eight-wicket victory, while Sharmin Akhter was similarly impressive with the bat for Bangladesh in their 21-run win over the USA.

Later in the day, Ireland picked up a 41-run win over Papua New Guinea (PNG) as Orla Prendergast caught the eye with bat and ball.

In the last match of the day, the Netherlands defended a modest target as they beat Zimbabwe by 22 runs despite Christabel Chatonzwa’s five-wicket haul.

Bangladesh off to strong start

Sharmin Akhter and Nahida Akter starred with bat and ball to see Bangladesh to a 21-run opening victory over the USA.

Sharmin seized the initiative in the Bangladeshi innings after they had been put in by the Americans, smashing a blistering 63 off just 39 deliveries to help them to 158 for five from their 20 overs, adding 63 with Sobhana Mostary (32).

Maahi Madhavan was the pick of the American bowlers, taking three for 23, including the wicket of Sharmin.

Disha Dhingra (23) and Chetna Pagydyala (36) made a strong start in the chase, but after their 42-run opening stand was broken by Rabeya Khan, wickets fell at regular intervals.

Eventually the USA finished on 137 for nine from their 20 overs, with Nahida ( four wickets for 24) taking the crucial wicket of Ritu Singh after she had blasted 33 off 13 balls.

Thailand cruise past hosts

A brilliant knock from Natthakan Chantham saw Thailand to a comprehensive, eight-wicket win over Nepal in Kirtipur.

Bindu Rawal had made 44 for Nepal after they were put into batted first, losing their final wicket on the last ball of the innings as they were bowled out for 122.

Thipatcha Putthawong broke an opening stand of 52 on her way to figures of four for 27, and that was followed by a fine chase.

Chantham added 66 with Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (28) before she was joined by keeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai (32), with the pair adding 47.

While Koncharoenkai fell with the target in sight, Chantham guided Thailand home with an unbeaten 57.

Chatonzwa heroics in vain for Zimbabwe

Christabel Chatonzwa took the first five-wicket haul of the competition but it was not enough for Zimbabwe to avoid defeat against the Netherlands.

Despite being restricted to 122 all out by Chatonzwa’s five for 22, the Dutch still ended up winners by 22 runs.

Phebe Molkenboer’s 27 and a further 26 from Sterre Kalis helped them to what proved a challenging total.

In reply, Zimbabwe quickly found themselves in trouble at 25 for four as the wickets were shared among the Dutch bowlers.

Chatonzwa did her best with the bat, making 15 not out, alongside Nyasha Gwanzura, who scored 27 off 16, but Isabel Van Der Woning took two wickets in three balls and Zimbabwe’s hopes went with them.

Lewis and Prendergast fire Ireland past PNG

Experienced duo Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast set up a 41-run win over PNG in Kathmandu.

Skipper Lewis hit 42 off just 25 balls at the top of the order, before number three Prendergast added 56 before she was stumped off the bowling of Hane Tau, PNG’s standout with the ball as she took four for 25.

Prendergast followed up her half-century with a fine bowling performance even though she did not pick up a wicket.

The all-rounder went for just nine runs from her four overs, with PNG struggling to keep the run-rate ticking over.

Arlene Kelly (two for 18) removed opener Hollan Doriga, who top-scored with 19 and Ireland eventually ran out comfortable winners.

Scores in brief

Nepal v Thailand – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Nepal 122 all out in 20 overs (Bindu Rawal 44, Samjhana Khadka 26; Thipatcha Putthawong 4/27, Onnicha Kamchomphu 2/24)

Thailand 125/2 in 16.5 overs (Natthakan Chantham 57 not out, Nannapat Koncharoenkai 32; Sita Magar 2/20, Suman Bista 0/11)

Result: Thailand won by 8 wickets

USA v Bangladesh – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu

Bangladesh 158/5 in 20 overs (Sharmin Akhter 63, Sobhana Mostary 32; Maahi Madhavan 3/23, Isani Vaghela 2/26)

USA 137/9 in 20 overs (Chetna Pagydyala 36, Ritu Singh 33; Nahida Akter 4/24, Ritu Moni 3/24)

Result: Bangladesh won by 21 runs

Zimbabwe v Netherlands – Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Netherlands 122 all out in 19 overs (Phebe Molkenboer 27, Sterre Kalis 26; Christabel Chatonzwa 5/22, Lindokuhle Mabhero 1/15)

Zimbabwe 100/8 in 20 overs (Nyasha Gwanzura 27, Chiedza Dhururu 16; Isabel van der Woning 2/4, Robine Rijke 1/6)

Result: Netherlands won by 22 runs

Ireland v Papua New Guinea – Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu

Ireland 146/6 in 20 overs (Orla Prendergast 56, Gaby Lewis 42; Hane Tau 4/25, Mairi Tom 1/20)

Papua New Guinea 105/6 in 20 overs (Hollan Doriga 19, Isabel Toua 16 not out; Arlene Kelly 2/18, Laura Delany 1/11)

Result: Ireland won by 41 runs

With thanks to the ICC

Beginning on 18 January and concluding on 1 February, matches will be played across two venues in Kathmandu, the 14,000-capacity Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground and the Mulpani International Cricket Ground, which holds 5,000.

Format

The 10 teams have been split into two groups. Group A consists of Bangladesh, Ireland, Namibia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the USA, while Group B is made up of hosts Nepal, the Netherlands, Scotland, Thailand and Zimbabwe.

Group matches will take place on alternate days between 18-26 January.

The top three from each group progress to the Super Six stage, which kicks off on 28 January. From there, the top four will book their place at the main event in England and Wales.

Four of the competing nations – Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland and Thailand – have appeared at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup before, with the other six bidding to make their competition debuts in June.

Players to watch

This week’s warm-up matches have included several notable individual displays as players get used to conditions in Nepal.

PNG’s Konio Oala smashed seven sixes in a 52-ball 71 in her side’s 11-run win over Zimbabwe, with Hane Tau taking four for 19 with the ball.

Ireland batter Orla Prendergast has made back-to-back half-centuries against Nepal and Zimbabwe, retiring out on both occasions, while her compatriot Gaby Lewis smashed 77 off 38 in the first of those games.

Heather Siegers shone for Netherlands in their 86-run win over Namibia, scoring 86 from 39 balls at the top of the order before taking three for 24 in reply.

Namibia’s Yasmeen Khan will begin the competition in good touch, too, having scored 51 and 54 in her country’s two warm-up games.

Bangladesh’s squad includes captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Sharmin Akhter, both of whom were named in the Team of the Tournament at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier.

Also part of that line-up were Scotland duo Kathryn Bryce, who finished as the leading run-scorer on that occasion, and her teammate Katherine Fraser, who will hope to lead their nation through.

The competition will also provide a platform for the next generation to showcase their talents. Chetna Pagydyala, a 17-year-old from California, is set to open for the USA and made an unbeaten 56 against Nepal while Beloved Biza, who only turned 17 earlier in January, has been opening for Zimbabwe in the warm-up games.

Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, 18, is part of the Thailand squad having made her T20I debut aged just 15 at the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup.

How to follow

Follow all the action from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier on ICC.TV

With thanks to the ICC

Starc, who was named Player of the Series in Australia’s 4-1 Ashes victory, claimed 16 wickets at an average of 21.25 in December, while also scoring 139 runs across three Tests during the month.

The standout performance was a Player of the Match effort in the second Test in Brisbane, where he finished with eight wickets and struck a vital 77. He also contributed a useful 54 in the series-deciding Test in Adelaide.

Starc won the award ahead of New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy and West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves.

Mitchell Starc said: “It’s an honour to be named the ICC Player of the Month, and even more special that it came on the back of such a successful home Ashes. To have played a part in winning such an iconic series in front of our home crowd is something we will all relish for a long time.

“As a team we’ve had some outstanding performances in the last few years. The focus now is on building that momentum towards a place in next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final.”

Wolvaardt amassed 255 runs at a strike rate of 111.84 in three ODIs in the home series against Ireland, while also scoring 137 runs in two T20Is at a remarkable strike rate of 190.27. She excelled at the top of the order across both formats, registering three centuries.

Wolvaardt was named Player of the Series in the ODIs after scores of 124 and 100 not out in the final two matches, having earlier smashed an unbeaten 115 in the opening T20I. She edged out teammate Sune Luus and India opener Shafali Verma to win her second ICC Player of the Month award in three months.

Laura Wolvaardt said: “I’m delighted to be named the ICC Player of the Month once again. To win it two times in three months is very special and something I’ll cherish for a long time. I loved batting throughout Ireland’s tour of South Africa, and it was hugely rewarding to contribute with runs across both the ODI and T20I formats.

“With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, my focus is firmly on carrying this momentum forward. We’ve shown real progress in recent ICC events, and I’m excited about the summer ahead in England and Wales. I hope to continue playing my part and help take the team all the way.”

Both players were crowned following a vote conducted among global fans registered at icc-cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising former international players and media representatives.

Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite cricketers across all formats of international cricket in the ICC Player of the Month awards by registering at www.icc-cricket.com/awards.

With thanks to the ICC