USA one step closer to earning inaugural Women's T20 World Cup berth

USA moved one step closer to earning a place at next year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup by winning the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier 2025.

The American side defeated Canada by 78 runs in the final match of the regional qualifier on Monday to ensure they finish on the top of the standings and in the process, progress through to the global qualifier event ahead of next year's tournament in England.

Dates and venues for the Global Qualifier are yet to be released, though there will be four spots up for grabs at next year's T20 showpiece through this 10-team event.

Eight teams have already gained automatic qualification to the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

England being the hosts, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies by virtue of their performances at the 2024 edition. In addition, Pakistan and Sri Lanka also made it, as they were the two next highest-ranked teams on the ICC Women’s T20I rankings table on 21 October 2024.

The four remaining spots will be determined via a 10-team Global Qualifier.

Bangladesh and Scotland are two teams already locked in to feature at the Global Qualifier against the USA, who will take much confidence from their efforts at the regional Americas qualifier in Argentina.

Subsequent teams will advance from regional pathway events held in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the East Asia-Pacific in 2025.

USA's exceptional run

Anika Kolan's side lost their opening match of the tournament to Canada but rebounded strongly when it mattered most with an impressvie performance in the final group contest to ensure they progressed.

Kolan reflected back at an exciting campaign, "I’m incredibly proud of the team for our dominant victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier. This win reflects the hard work, resilience, and unity we’ve built as a squad.

"Every player stepped up, and we showcased the growing strength of women’s cricket in the USA. Securing the Americas representative spot in the global qualifiers is a huge step forward, and we’re excited for the journey ahead.”

Kolan led from the front with an excellent innings of 34 as the USA posted a competitive total of 131/6 and Canada's run chase never amounted to much as they were dismissed for just 53 in reply on the back of four wickets from teenage spinner Chetnaa Prasad.

Prasad managed nine wickets for the USA during the qualifier event, with teammate and fellow spinner Aditiba Chudasama (10 scalps) the only bowler to earn more breakthroughs across the four-team tournament.

While Disha Dhingra managed just 16 in the final group contest against Canada, the USA opener was the leading run-scorer at the event with 123 runs at an average of 20.50.