ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026: Netherlands Women vs Thailand Women – Match Preview

Date: Monday, 26th January 2026
Venue: Mulpani Cricket Ground
Start Time: 07:15 AM GMT | 01:00 PM Local | 12:45 PM IST

As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier enters a crucial phase, the Netherlands Women and Thailand Women are set to clash in a high-stakes encounter. With the Dutch aiming to secure a top finish and Thailand looking to consolidate their position, this match promises to be a thrilling contest of skill, strategy, and determination.

Match Context

Both teams are in contrasting moods heading into this game. The Netherlands Women, despite a shock defeat to Scotland, remain strong favorites due to their depth in batting and bowling. On the other hand, Thailand Women, after a poor performance against Scotland, will be eager to bounce back and demonstrate their quality.

Current Form

Netherlands Women

The Dutch have been in solid form, led by the explosive batting of Sterre Kalis, who is the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 143 runs at an average of 71.5 and a strike rate of 116.26. Babette de Leede has also been consistent with the bat, while the bowling attack, spearheaded by Isabel van der Woning (5 wickets at 8.6) and Caroline de Lange, has been a major threat.

With the Dutch capable of both posting big totals and restricting opponents, they will be looking to top the group if possible.

Thailand Women

Thailand, despite a defeat to Scotland, remain in a comfortable position in the qualification race. However, they will need more contributions from their middle order to compete at the highest level. Nattakan Chantham has been the standout performer for Thailand, scoring 84 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 123.52.

The bowlers, particularly Thipatcha Putthawong (7 wickets at 10.85, economy of 6.9), and Suleeporn Laomi, have been reliable, but the batters need to step up collectively.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Netherlands: 1 win
• Thailand: 4 wins

Thailand has dominated the recent encounters, winning four of the last five matches, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this contest.

Venue Insights: Mulpani Cricket Ground

The venue has been a batting-friendly track in recent T20s, with the average first-innings score standing at 136.63. Teams batting first have enjoyed a 62.5% win rate, while bowlers have found it relatively challenging to take wickets, especially from spin, which averages 28.18 runs per wicket.

Key Players to Watch

Netherlands Women

• Sterre Kalis – The star batter with a 15% boundary rate and a dot ball percentage of just 42%.
• Isabel van der Woning – The wicket-taking machine with an economy rate of 6.50.
• Caroline de Lange – A versatile all-rounder with a knack for picking up crucial wickets.

Thailand Women

• Nattakan Chantham – Needs to deliver a match-defining innings.
• Thipatcha Putthawong – The leading wicket-taker for Thailand, with a consistent economy rate.
• Naruemol Chaiwai (c) – The captain who scored a brilliant unbeaten 73 against Scotland.

Squads

Netherlands Women

Babette de Leede (c), Caroline de Lange, Frédérique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Merel Dekeling, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis.

Thailand Women

Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Chanida Sutthiruang, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Nannaphat Chaihan, Natthakan Chantham, Onnicha Kamchomphro, Phannita Maya, Suleeporn Laomi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Suwanan Khiaoto, Thanrada Seesawan, Thipatcha Putthawong.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Netherlands
• Match Winner: Netherlands
• Top Batters: Sterre Kalis (Netherlands), Nattakan Chantham (Thailand)
• Top Bowlers: Caroline de Lange (Netherlands), Thipatcha Putthawong (Thailand)
• Most Sixes: Heather Siegers (Netherlands), Nattakan Chantham (Thailand)
• Player of the Match: Caroline de Lange (Netherlands)
• Team Scores Batting First: Netherlands 120+, Thailand 100+

Final Verdict

With the toss expected to go in favor of the Netherlands, they will likely opt to bat first and set a challenging total. The Dutch have the firepower and depth to dominate this encounter, especially with the likes of Kalis and de Lange in form. However, Thailand's experience and recent dominance in head-to-head meetings could give them the edge in a tight contest.

Prediction: Netherlands Women to win by a margin of 8-10 runs.
“`