Pakistan began their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign with a convincing 35-run victory over Thailand in their Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.
The defeat ended Thailand’s campaign after they had earlier beaten Hong Kong but lost to India.
Thailand Bowlers Impress Again
Despite the loss, Thailand’s bowlers once again put in an impressive performance against a much more experienced Pakistan side.
Pakistan were restricted to 119 for nine in 20 overs, with Thailand making life difficult for their batters on a slow Dubai pitch.
Leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi continued her excellent tournament, claiming 3 wickets for 14 runs. It was her second consecutive three-wicket haul after she took 3 for 26 against India.
Left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong also impressed, taking 3 for 18.
Muneeba Ali Rescues Pakistan
Pakistan struggled early in their innings, slipping to 23 for three in the fifth over.
Opener Muneeba Ali then played a crucial innings, scoring 54 runs from 52 balls to help Pakistan recover.
Her knock proved vital as Pakistan managed to post a total of 119 for nine despite Thailand’s disciplined bowling attack.
Thailand Struggle With the Bat
Thailand once again found batting difficult when facing a strong bowling attack.
They finished on 84 for eight in their 20 overs, falling 35 runs short of Pakistan’s target.
Chanida Sutthiruang top-scored for Thailand with 25 runs, but the team struggled to build partnerships throughout the innings.
Against India earlier in the tournament, Thailand had been bowled out for just 65 runs in 16.1 overs. While they managed to bat through the full 20 overs against Pakistan, their batting remains an area that needs improvement.
Thailand Captain Highlights Learning Opportunity
Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai acknowledged that her team performed better with the ball and in the field than with the bat.
She also said that playing against strong teams such as India and Pakistan provides valuable experience and helps Thailand understand where they need to improve.
Pakistan Prepare for India Clash
Pakistan will now turn their attention to their next Group A match against arch-rivals India on Saturday.
The victory over Thailand gives Pakistan momentum, but they will need to raise their performance level against India in their upcoming encounter.
Brief Scores
Pakistan Women: 119-9 in 20 overs
Muneeba Ali 54, Sadaf Shamas 20
Suleeporn Laomi 3-14, Thipatcha Putthawong 3-18, Phannita Maya 2-34
Thailand Women: 84-8 in 20 overs
Chanida Sutthiruang 25
Sadia Iqbal 3-11, Tuba Hassan 2-17
Player of the Match
Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)