DUBAI: Muneeba Ali starred as Pakistan defeated Thailand by 35 runs in their opening fixture of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing 120, Thailand women fell short and could only manage 84-8 in their 20 overs.
Sadia Iqbal provided the Green Shirts with a top start, removing the top two batters of the Thailand team. Phannita Maya scored four while Nannapat Koncharoenkai could not open her account.
As a result, Thailand were reduced to 6-2. Skipper Naruemol Chaiwai and Natthakan Chantham added 27 for the third wicket to put the chase back on track; however, both were removed in quick succession as Pakistan halted the opposition’s proceedings.
After a dominant start, Pakistan squeezed the runs flow and never allowed the Thailand batters to free their arms. Chanida Sutthiruang was the top-scorer with 25 off 24, striking two fours.
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For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal picked up three wickets. Tuba Hassan also chipped in with her two scalps.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan huffed and puffed to 119-9, largely due to a half-century stand for the fourth wicket between Muneeba Ali and Sadaf Shamas. The duo rescued their side from a precarious 23-3 in 4.4 overs and brought the total to 77.
Shamas made 20 off 20 with the aid of three boundaries, while Muneeba struck four boundaries in her 54 off 52 balls.
However, Pakistan lost their way in the final overs and never found the late impetus from the lower-order batters.
For Thailand, Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong shared six wickets between them.
