CAN Names 15-Member Nepal U19 Women’s Squad for Bengaluru T20 Series

KATHMANDU — The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 15-member national Under-19 women’s cricket squad for a T20 preparation series in Bengaluru, India, scheduled from 12 to 22 November 2026. Soni Pakhrin will captain the side as Nepal continues its build-up to the 2027 ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, which Nepal will co-host with Bangladesh.

The Bengaluru assignment is an important opportunity for the young players to gain match experience against strong opposition before the World Cup. Nepal is scheduled to face India’s Under-19 A and B teams in the preparation programme at the Centre of Excellence.

Fifteen players selected

The squad announced under Pakhrin’s leadership includes Rachana Kumari Chaudhary, Riya Sharma, Prinsa Rana Magar, Tika Sah, Anjila Pathak, Sakshi Yadav, Savitri Dhami, Manisha Chaudhary, Asika Kumari Mahara, Amra Chaudhary, Pratha Shrestha, Jyotsna Marasini, Purnima Rajbanshi and Tirsana Bishwakarma.

The selection brings together players who have been part of Nepal’s recent age-group programme. The series will give the team management an opportunity to assess combinations, batting depth and bowling options against teams from a strong cricketing system.

Preparation fixtures in India

The Bengaluru series is scheduled to run from 12 to 22 November. Nepal’s published fixtures include a match against India B on 12 November and a meeting with India A on 14 November. A further match against India A is listed for 20 November, with the tournament programme including a final on 22 November. Supporters should follow subsequent CAN updates for any changes to the fixtures or match arrangements.

Facing India’s development sides will provide a demanding test. The matches can help Nepal’s batters adjust to different bowling styles and help the bowling group practise defending totals against technically strong opponents. They also offer valuable experience in managing pressure, preparing for consecutive games and adapting plans during a match.

World Cup build-up continues

Nepal and Bangladesh are scheduled to co-host the 2027 ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup from 21 January to 6 February. Nepal has been drawn in Group A alongside defending champions India, Ireland and the West Indies. Nepal’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

The tournament will be a major occasion for women’s cricket in Nepal. Playing at home gives the team the chance to compete in front of local supporters, but the group draw also means Nepal will face experienced opponents from the beginning. The Bengaluru series is therefore a valuable stage in preparing players for the level and intensity of the World Cup.

For the selected squad, the immediate task is to use the opportunity to build confidence and consistency. The coaching staff will be looking for improved partnerships, disciplined bowling and sharper fielding as Nepal moves closer to its first match at the global tournament.

Sources: Nepal Sportz: Bengaluru squad announcement; Nepal News: CAN squad announcement.