Nepal vs Thailand, Nepal Womens T20I Tri-Series 2025, Today Match Prediction

NEP vs THA Match Prediction & Analysis

The third game of the Nepal Women's T20I Tri-Series sees the hosts Nepal taking on Thailand Women in Kirtipur. Nepal are coming off a defeat in their opener and desperately need a victory to remain in the hunt. But they're up against familiar foes who've had their number - Thailand have won all three T20Is these teams have played. Moreover, Thailand have started the series with a win against the Netherlands. Given what's on the line for both sides, expect an intense showdown.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Nepal Preview

Nepal Women are looking to bounce back after falling short in their opener against Netherlands. Despite having a gettable target of 158 on a decent pitch, they only reached 137-7. Their batting was underwhelming, with just Puja Mahato (24 off 14) and Kabita Joshi (27 off 17) making any real impact. The performance of the top and middle order needs a serious upgrade against Thailand.

With all-rounder Indu Barma at the helm, Nepal mix old hands with newcomers. Openers Samjhana Khadka and Sita Rana Magar need to set the tone early - and pick up the scoring rate, which was missing last time out. Magar’s 28 off 45 didn’t help their cause at all. 

The middle order's success hinges on Kabita Kunwar, Barma, Rubina Chhetri, and Puja Mahato finding their rhythm.

Young keeper-batter Alisha Yadav could make things interesting at the death if she gets going.

In the bowling department, Kabita Joshi and Sita Rana Magar will lead the charge, backed by skipper Barma. Kabita Kunwar's new-ball skills will be key, while Ishwori Bist can keep things tight through the middle phase.

Nepal Predicted Playing XI:

Samjhana Khadka, Bindu Rawal, Indu Barma (c), Rubina Chhetry, Alisha Yadav (wk), Sita Rana Magar, Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, Ishwori Bist, Kabita Joshi, Manisha Upadhayay

Thailand Preview

Thailand Women kicked off their campaign with a confident win over the Netherlands. After restricting their opponents to 129-8, they chased down the target with an over to spare and five wickets in hand.

This victory extends their strong run in T20Is, following their Women's T20 Quadrangular Series triumph in Hong Kong last December. Nannapat Koncharoenkai anchored the chase with a composed 56* off 50 balls, while Aphisara Suwanchonrathi chipped in with a handy 28 off 24.

Led by Naruemol Chaiwai, Thailand will look to build on their form. Chaiwai was the top scorer in the Hong Kong series and remains their key batter. Natthakan Chantham, the team's leading T20I run-scorer with 1,713 runs at an average of 27.62, will also be crucial. Her highest score in this format is an unbeaten 88.

The batting lineup looks well-rounded with Chanida Sutthiruang and Phannita Maya adding depth.

Meanwhile, their bowling attack will rely on Nattaya Boochatham, Thipatcha Putthawong, Onnicha Kamchomphu, and Sutthiruang to provide regular strikes. Putthawong has been in excellent touch, having delivered a spell of 27-2 off her 4 overs in the first game. It is also worth keeping an eye on Kamchomphu, who picked up 9 wickets at an economy rate of 2.88 at the Hong Kong tournament.

Thailand Predicted Playing XI:

Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Nattaya Boochatham, Nattakan Chantam, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Chanida Sutthiruang, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Suleeporn Laomi, Thipatcha Putthawong, Phannita Maya, Sunida Chaturongrattana

Weather Conditions

At the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, the pitch offers something for everyone - bowlers and batters alike. The new ball could trouble batters early on, with pacers finding movement off the surface. Once players get their eye in though, batting becomes more manageable. Like most surfaces in the sub-continent, the pitch here tends to get slower as the game wears on, making spin bowling more effective. Teams will need smart tactics against the spinners during the middle phase to gain the upper hand.

The weather in Kirtipur looks perfect for cricket - sunny and cool with clear skies overhead. With no rain in the forecast, we should see an uninterrupted and exciting contest.

NEP vs THA Pitch Report

The average score batting first at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in women’s T20Is is 105. The highest total posted at the venue is Netherlands Women’s 157-6 versus Nepal Women in the first game, which they won by 20 runs.

Toss: To Bat

Four of the seven women’s T20Is played in Kirtipur have been won by the team batting first, including the first match of this series. We reckon both teams will look to bat first and put an above par total because conditions will become slower later on.