Muneeba and Pakistan’s bowlers shine as Pakistan women beat Thailand

Thailand’s bowlers pushed Pakistan into trouble, but Pakistan held on to win their Women’s Asia Cup match in Dubai by 36 runs. After restricting Pakistan to 120, Thailand finished on 84 for eight in its allotted overs.

Sadia Iqbal struck twice in the second over, dismissing Phannita Maya and Nannapat Konchareonkai and leaving Thailand’s chase in difficulty from the start. Naruemol Chaiwai and Natthakan Chantam briefly revived the innings with a 27-run stand, but wickets continued to fall after Chantam’s dismissal.

Chanida Sutthiruang made a fighting 25 from 24 balls, yet received too little support. Thailand needed 50 from the final 16 balls and could not recover. Iqbal finished with three wickets and Tuba Hasan took two.

Thailand had earlier bowled impressively. Thipatcha Putthawong and Suleeporn Laomi claimed three wickets each, reducing Pakistan to 23 for three. Muneeba Ali then anchored the Pakistan innings, adding 54 for the fourth wicket with Sadaf Shamas to take the score to 77. Laomi broke the partnership and removed Pakistan captain Fatima Sana two balls later with a diving return catch.

Thailand entered the match after beating Hong Kong and giving India a difficult contest. Its spinners had also reduced India to nine wickets down after a late collapse on Dubai’s slow pitch, reinforcing the team’s reputation as a promising side among the tournament’s Affiliate Nations.