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

NEP vs NED Match Prediction & Analysis

The Nepal Women’s T20I Tri-Series is set to get underway this Thursday in Kirtipur. The home team will face the Netherlands in the opening match, kicking off a tournament where all three teams (the third one being Thailand) will compete against each other three times in a league format. The two teams with the highest points will meet in the final on February 8. Nepal will look to make the most of their home conditions, but the Netherlands have a solid squad and will be tough to beat.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Nepal Preview

Last year was a solid one for Nepal Women, with five T20I victories and only three defeats. They made it to the semi-finals of the Asian Cricket Council Women's Premier Cup but were knocked out by Malaysia. As the new year begins, the team has a chance to reset and focus on building confidence.

Led by all-rounder Indu Barma, the squad blends experience with fresh talent. The opening pair of Samjhana Khadka and Sita Rana Magar will aim to provide a strong start, while the middle order will rely on Kabita Kunwar, Barma, Rubina Chhetri, and Puja Mahato for consistency. 

Alisha Yadav, a young wicketkeeper-batter, has been included in place of the unavailable Kajol Shrestha.

The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Kabita Joshi and Sita Rana Magar, with captain Barma also contributing. Kabita Kunwar will also have a crucial role, and left-arm spinner Manisha Upadhyaya could prove effective in these conditions, particularly during the middle overs, where she can challenge the opposition batters.

Nepal Predicted Playing XI:

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

Netherlands Preview

The Netherlands Women had an impressive run in 2024, winning eight of the 11 T20Is they played. While they didn't claim any major titles, they dominated Hong Kong with a 4-0 series sweep at home along with a 2-0 victory over Italy.

Babette de Leede will continue leading the squad. The wicketkeeper-batter is closing in on 1,000 T20I runs, with four half-centuries to her name, and provides stability in the middle order.

Iris Zwilling remains a key player. She has scored over 600 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 91.20 and picked up 56 wickets with an economy of 5.29, making her a crucial all-rounder.

Sterre Kalis will be vital in the top order. She is one of the most experienced batters in the competition, with almost 1,200 T20I runs to her name at an average of 36.30.

The Netherlands have a well-balanced bowling attack suited for these conditions. The slower pitch will favor spinners like Eva Lynch, Caroline de Lange, and Silver Siegers, while Hannah Landheer and Zwilling can take advantage of the new ball with their seam movement.

Netherlands Predicted Playing XI:

Sterre Kalis, Iris Zwilling, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Babette de Leede (c & wk), Hannah Landheer, Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Carlijn van Koolwijk, Eva Lynch, Silver Siegers

Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground offers a fair balance between batters and bowlers, allowing both to make an impact. In the early stages, seam bowlers can expect some help from the surface, but as the game progresses, batsmen should gradually find their groove. As the match wears on and the pitch begins to slow, spinners will play a key role, and teams will need to figure out how to handle them during the middle overs to secure victory.

The weather conditions in Kirtipur are expected to be ideal, with plenty of sunshine and cold temperatures. With a rain-free forecast, the stage is set for a smooth and enjoyable match for everyone involved. 

NEP vs NED Pitch Report

The average score batting first at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in women’s T20Is is 104. The highest total posted at the venue is Nepal Women’s 123-6 versus Uganda Women in 2022, a game they won by 33 runs.

Toss: To Bat

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