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

Match Details

• Date: Friday, 30th January 2026
• Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
• Start Time: 07:15 AM GMT | 01:00 PM Local | 12:45 PM IST
• Series: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier

Match Context

The clash between the United States of America Women and Thailand Women promises to be a pivotal encounter in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. With both teams vying for a crucial win to remain in contention, this match will test their tactical acumen and individual brilliance.

Thailand, with a strong batting line-up and a potent bowling attack, will look to continue their dominance, having won both previous meetings against the USA. The United States, on the other hand, will aim to break this trend and secure a vital victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Team Form

Thailand Women

Thailand’s performance in the tournament has been impressive, with a balanced squad contributing across all departments. Captain Naruemol Chaiwai has been a consistent run-scorer, averaging over 50, while Nattakan Chantham has been the top run-getter with a strike rate of 117.29. The bowling is spearheaded by Thipatcha Putthawong, who leads the wicket-takers with 11 wickets in five games at an average of 10.81.

United States of America Women

The USA has shown glimpses of promise, with Gargi Bhogle, Ritu Singh, and Chetna Pagydyala providing valuable runs in the middle order. Tara Norris has been the standout bowler, taking eight wickets at an average of 9.25, showcasing her ability to impact the game in crucial moments. However, they have struggled to match Thailand's consistency and need a strong performance to stay in the race.

Players to Watch

Thailand Women

• Naruemol Chaiwai (c): The captain has been instrumental with the bat, scoring 152 runs in five innings at an average of 50.66.
• Nattakan Chantham: Leading run-scorer of the tournament with 156 runs at 39, striking at an impressive 117.29.
• Thipatcha Putthawong: The star bowler with 11 wickets in five games, averaging 10.81 and operating at an economy of 6.26.

United States of America Women

• Ritu Singh: A quick scorer with 113 runs in the tournament at an average of 28.25 and a strike rate of 171.21.
• Tara Norris: The USA’s leading wicket-taker with eight wickets in four games at 9.25, taking wickets at a strike rate of once every 10.5 balls.
• Gargi Bhogle: A vital middle-order batter with 71 runs at 35.5, striking at 93.42.

Venue Insights – Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

• Average 1st Innings Score (2026): 136.3
• Winning Percentage (Batting First): 53.9%
• Winning Percentage (Batting Second): 46.1%
• Economy Rates (2026):
  • Fast Bowlers: 6.16
  • Spin Bowlers: 5.86

The pitch at Kirtipur has been relatively batting-friendly in recent T20s, with teams often chasing down totals in excess of 130. The increasing trend in first-innings scores suggests that both teams will look to post a competitive total.

Squads

Thailand Women

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

United States of America Women

Aditiba Chudasama (c), Chetna Pagydyala, Disha Dhingra, Ella Claridge, Gargi Bhogle, Geetika Kodali, Isani Vaghela, Lekha Shetty, Maahi Madhavan, Pooja Ganesh, Ritu Singh, Saanvi Immadi, Sainavi Kambalapalli, Tara Norris, Taranum Chopra.

Match Predictions

• Toss Prediction: Thailand
• Match Winner: Thailand
• Top Batter (Runs):
  • Nattakan Chantham (Thailand)
  • Gargi Bhogle (USA)
• Top Bowler (Wickets):
  • Thipatcha Putthawong (Thailand)
  • Tara Norris (USA)
• Most Sixes:
  • Nattakan Chantham (Thailand)
  • Ritu Singh (USA)
• Player of the Match: Thipatcha Putthawong (Thailand)
• Team Score (Batting First):
  • Thailand: 130+
  • USA: 130+

Final Thoughts

This is a must-win game for both teams, but Thailand's superior form and experience give them the edge. The USA will need to play a near-flawless game to pull off an upset. With the venue favoring aggressive batting, both sides are expected to post over 130, and the contest could come down to the final over. Thailand remain slight favorites, but the USA cannot be ruled out.

Get ready for a thrilling encounter at Kirtipur as the USA and Thailand battle it out for a place in the next stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.
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