Pakistan’s women’s cricket team secured a 36-run victory over Thailand in their Women’s Asia Cup encounter in Dubai, despite a spirited bowling performance from the Thai side. After being restricted to 120/9 in their allotted overs, Pakistan’s bowlers successfully defended the total, limiting Thailand to 84/8.
The match began with Thailand’s spinners dominating the proceedings on a slow, spin-friendly surface. Thipatcha Putthawong made an immediate impact, claiming a two-wicket maiden by dismissing Shawaal Zulfiqar and Gull Feroza in consecutive deliveries. Phannita Maya added to the pressure by removing Ayesha Zafar, leaving Pakistan struggling at 23/3. A stunning one-handed catch by Natthakan Chantam was instrumental in Ayesha’s dismissal.
Muneeba Ali anchored the Pakistani innings with a resilient 52-ball 54, demonstrating excellent footwork to counter the Thai spin. She shared a crucial 54-run partnership with Sadaf Shamas to steady the ship. However, Suleeporn Laomi broke the stand by dismissing Sadaf, and shortly after, she claimed the wicket of captain Fatima Sana, who departed for a duck after a sharp return catch. Muneeba eventually fell to Laomi as well, lured out of her crease by a flighted delivery. Late contributions from Umm-e-Hani, who scored 17, and Tuba Hasan, who added a quick 12 off four balls, helped Pakistan reach their final total.
In response, Thailand’s chase faltered early due to Sadia Iqbal, who struck twice in the second over to remove Phannita Maya and Nannapat Koncharoenkai. Although Naruemol Chaiwai and Natthakan Chantam attempted to stabilize the innings with a 27-run partnership, the Thai batters struggled to maintain momentum against consistent bowling. As wickets fell at regular intervals, the required run rate climbed, leaving Thailand needing 50 runs from the final 16 balls.
Chanida Sutthiruang provided a late glimmer of hope with a fighting 25 off 24 balls, but she lacked sufficient support from the remaining batters. Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hasan were the standout performers with the ball, taking three and two wickets respectively to stifle the Thai response. This performance follows Thailand’s impressive showing against India, where they demonstrated their potential as a rising force among the tournament’s affiliate nations.
Throughout the contest, the Pakistani batters found it difficult to adapt to the slow pitch, often playing away from their bodies and failing to reach the pitch of the ball. Muneeba’s disciplined approach stood out as the exception, as she played through the line of the ball to keep the scoreboard moving. Conversely, the Thai spinners executed their strategy effectively by forcing the opposition to play on the front foot, consistently putting the batting side under pressure. The report also notes that mohammad Abdullah, Senior Sports Reporter. The report also notes that chasing a paltry total, Thailand got off to a stuttering start. The report also notes that they failed to get the partnership going which stopped the flow runs. The report also notes that the asking went up to 50 needed off the last 16 balls. The report also notes that chanida Sutthiruang tried to revive the chase with a fighting 24-ball 25 but she did not get enough support from the other end. The report also notes that they ripped through the top and middle order of Pakistan. The report also notes that they gave India a tough time, after beating Hong Kong in their opening match.
