USA defeat Canada to advance from Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Americas Qualifier
USA prevail in winner-takes-all matchup on final day in Buenos Aires
The win sees them claim top spot and a place in the next stage – the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier
A dramatic final day at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Americas Qualifier saw a rampant USA snatch top spot and a place in the next round of qualification thanks to a commanding 78-run victory over Canada in Buenos Aires on Monday.
Eight days of competitive action had preceded the top of the table clash, with both nations knowing victory would see them advance to the ten-team Qualifier, which represents the final stage on the road to England and Wales 2026.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first at the St Albans Club Ground, the USA started their innings brightly. Young openers Disha Dhingra (16) and Chetna Pagdyala (35) saw off Canada's opening attack to set the foundations, with Ella Claridge (20) and skipper Anika Kolan (34) also chipping in with valuable run-a-ball scores.
A sharp 17 from 12 balls by Isani Vaghela helped USA add to their competitive total, and despite the efforts of Terisha Lavia (two for 19), they closed their innings on 131 for six from their 20 overs - the second-highest total recorded during the competition.
In response, Canada stuttered in the early overs and never recovered. Falling to 20 for three by the fifth over, a slight reprieve in the form of a partnership between top-scoring Achini Perera (19) and Kainat Qazi helped them stabilise to 36 for three before Qazi's wicket at the hands of Saanvi Immadi heralded a brisk collapse.
More wickets from Player of the Tournament Ritu Singh and the introduction of Chetnaa Prasad were the catalysts for the finale, with Prasad blitzing through the lower order to record figures of four for five from her two overs, including the wicket of Mannat Hundal to secure the 78-run victory amid jubilant scenes in the Argentine capital.
Reacting to her side's win, USA captain Kolan, said: '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.'
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales will see a greater number of competing teams (12) and matches (33) than ever before.
Eight teams have already gained automatic qualification to the event; England as hosts, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies by virtue of their performances at the 2024 edition, plus Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who 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 through the ten-team Qualifier, comprising Scotland, Bangladesh, USA and subsequent teams that advance from regional pathway events held in Africa, Asia, Europe and the East Asia-Pacific in 2025.
Scores in brief
USA v Canada – St Albans Club Ground
USA 131 for six from 20 overs (Chetna Pagdyala 35, Anika Kolan 34; Terisha Lavia 2 for 19)
Canada 53 all out in 16 overs (Achini Perera 19; Chetnaa Prasad 4 for 5, Ritu Singh 2 for 12)
Result – USA won by 78 runs
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