Summary
- DUBAI: Pakistan women made a winning start to their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign, defeating Thailand by 35 runs in the fifth match of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
- The victory gives Pakistan an encouraging start in Group A, which also includes India and Hong Kong, China.
- The win will provide Fatima Sana’s side with valuable confidence ahead of the much-anticipated India clash, with Pakistan hoping to carry the momentum into the remainder of the tournament.
DUBAI: Pakistan women made a winning start to their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign, defeating Thailand by 35 runs in the fifth match of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, were asked to bat first and posted 119 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The innings got off to a difficult start, but Muneeba Ali produced a composed half-century to give her side a competitive total.
Muneeba was the standout batter, scoring 54 from 52 balls, including four boundaries. She shared a valuable 54-run partnership with Sadaf Shamas, who contributed 20 runs. Thailand’s bowlers, particularly Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong, kept Pakistan under pressure with three wickets apiece.
The real turning point came when Thailand began its chase of 120.
Pakistan’s bowlers immediately put the Thai batting line-up under pressure. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal struck twice in the second over, bowling a double-wicket maiden and leaving Thailand struggling early in the innings. She later returned to claim a third wicket, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 11.
Thailand could not build enough momentum despite a fighting 25 from Chanida Sutthiruang. Tuba Hassan also played a key role with the ball, taking 2 for 17 from her four overs, while Nashra Sundhu kept the scoring under control with an economical spell.
Thailand eventually finished at 84 for eight after 20 overs, well short of the target.
Muneeba was named Player of the Match for her crucial batting effort, while Sadia’s early strikes helped Pakistan seize control of the contest.
The victory gives Pakistan an encouraging start in Group A, which also includes India and Hong Kong, China. Pakistan’s next major challenge will be against arch-rivals India on September 5 in Dubai.
The win will provide Fatima Sana’s side with valuable confidence ahead of the much-anticipated India clash, with Pakistan hoping to carry the momentum into the remainder of the tournament.
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