Pakistan secured a vital 35-run victory against Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, a result that keeps their momentum alive in the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026. While the win was necessary, star batter Muneeba Ali remains focused on the upcoming high-stakes Group A clash against India scheduled for September 5, insisting that her side must elevate their performance level to compete effectively.
A Challenging Batting Display
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan faced immediate adversity. The top order collapsed quickly, with Shawaal Zulfiqar departing for a single and Gull Feroza falling for a duck, leaving the team reeling at 6/2 within two overs. The situation grew more precarious when Ayesha Zafar was dismissed for nine in the fifth over, placing the score at 23/3.
- Muneeba Ali anchored the innings with a resilient 54 off 52 balls, featuring four boundaries.
- A 54-run partnership between Muneeba and Sadaf Shamas provided much-needed stability.
- Sadaf Shamas contributed 20 runs before being dismissed in the 13th over.
- Captain Fatima Sana exited for a duck in that same over, adding pressure to the middle order.
- Late-order contributions from Umm-e-Hani (17) and an unbeaten Tuba Hasan (12) pushed the total to 119/9.
Reflecting on the innings, Muneeba noted that the team had aimed for a higher total. “We were obviously looking to score more than 140 today, but unfortunately the wickets kept falling, so we had to hold back a little,” she explained. “We missed a few shots in the end. If we can address those things, I think we can play good cricket against India.”
Disciplined Bowling Secures Victory
Defending a modest 119, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight control, preventing Thailand from building any significant momentum. Thailand concluded their chase at 84/8, marking their second loss of the tournament. Chanida Sutthiruang top-scored for Thailand with 25, supported by Naruemol Chaiwai (17), Natthakan Chantham (14), and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (13).
Fielding Focus Ahead of India Match
Pakistan’s success was largely driven by Sadia Iqbal, who delivered a standout performance with 3/11. Tuba Hasan added two wickets, while Fatima Sana and Nashra Sandhu chipped in with one each. Despite the win, Muneeba emphasized the necessity of refining their defensive efforts before facing India.
“We always try to make a perfect fielding unit in every match because that is what is demanded in the field,” Muneeba stated. She acknowledged that there were lapses during the Thailand match, specifically regarding catches that fell short. The team intends to address these technical areas to ensure they approach the India fixture with renewed energy and precision. This victory places Pakistan second in Group A, trailing India on net run rate, while Thailand remains in third position. The report also notes that while Phannita Maya took two, thailand’s bowlers Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong claimed three wickets each. The report also notes that in reply, Thailand struggled to build momentum against Pakistan’s attack and finished on 84/8, suffering their second defeat of the tournament. The report also notes that while captain Naruemol Chaiwai made 17, chanida Sutthiruang was Thailand’s top scorer with 25 off 24 balls.
Source: Gulf News
