Nepal Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 15th Match, Group B

The upcoming Group B match between Nepal Women and Zimbabwe Women in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 promises to be a tightly-contested affair. Nepal Women have shown flashes of brilliance in their recent outings, bolstered by a solid middle order and disciplined bowling, but have struggled against higher-ranked teams. Zimbabwe Women, on the other hand, come in with a slightly more consistent recent record, showcasing an aggressive top order and a versatile bowling attack that adapts well to varying pitch conditions. Head-to-head encounters between these two sides reveal a marginal edge for Zimbabwe Women, who have clinched 3 out of the 5 T20 encounters till date. Nepal, however, have improved significantly in the last year, with emerging talents showing promise, especially in the spin department. Key players for Nepal include captain Sita Rana Magar, whose all-round capabilities anchor the team, and opener Jyoti Pandey, known for her aggressive starts and ability to build innings under pressure. Zimbabwe's strength lies in their top-order consistency, led by Michelle Mavunga, who has recently contributed impactful cameos, and spinner Mary-Anne Musonda, who has been pivotal in stifling opposition run rates. Strategically, Nepal will likely leverage spin-friendly conditions at Tribhuvan University Ground to restrict Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe will aim to utilize their batting depth and aggressive approach to set or chase competitive totals. Considering recent form, head-to-head stats, and player impact, Zimbabwe Women have a slight edge but Nepal's home conditions add a significant advantage. #### AI suggested match winner: Nepal Women: 47%, Zimbabwe Women: 53%

If Nepal Women bat first, they could post a competitive total in the range of 135-145 runs. Their batting lineup has depth to build innings but will need caution against Zimbabwe's disciplined bowling attack. A strong start from openers will be key. Conversely, if Zimbabwe Women bat first, their aggressive top order is capable of pushing the score towards 145-155 on this pitch. Given Zimbabwe's experience in pacing innings, they are well poised to set a challenging target or chase successfully. The pitch is expected to offer some assistance to spinners, so teams batting first may aim to score between 140 and 155 to put pressure on the opposition.

The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground typically favors spinners, with slow and low bounce conditions prevailing in January. Historically, the average first-innings score at this venue in women's T20 matches hovers around 140 runs. Chasing teams enjoy a moderate success rate of approximately 52%, indicating balanced conditions without pronounced batting or bowling dominance. The weather forecast for January 24 indicates clear skies with temperature around 22°C, and minimal chance of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play. Top performers at this ground among these teams include Nepal's Sita Rana Magar, who once recorded a best bowling figure of 4/18 here, and Zimbabwe's Michelle Mavunga who holds the record for highest individual score of 68* in a T20 at this venue.

Matches Played	Nepal Women Wins	Zimbabwe Women Wins
5	2	3

Sita Rana Magar: Nepal's captain and all-rounder has delivered consistent performances with both bat and ball, leading her team from the front with recent crucial wickets and handy runs.

Jyoti Pandey: Known for aggressive starts, Pandey's recent innings have set the platform well for Nepal, making her a vital player to watch in this match.

Michelle Mavunga: Zimbabwe’s dynamic all-rounder has been in great form recently, contributing impactful runs and picking wickets in key moments.

Mary-Anne Musonda: A crafty spinner, Musonda has been instrumental in controlling the run flow and breaking partnerships, especially in home conditions.

Modester Mupachikwa: Zimbabwe's dependable middle-order batter has played some impressive innings lately, often stabilizing the chase during high-pressure situations.