Pakistan began their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 journey on high as they comprehensively defeated Thailand in their Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tusday. The Women in Green posted 119 for 9 before restricting Thailand to 84 for 8 to open their account.
Muneeba Ali guides Pakistan to competitive total
Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss but endured a difficult start as wickets fell regularly. Shawaal Zulfiqar and Gull Feroza were dismissed cheaply, leaving Pakistan under early pressure. Muneeba Ali, however, provided the stability Pakistan needed. The opener battled through the innings to score a patient 54 off 52 deliveries, striking four boundaries. Her knock ensured Pakistan remained competitive despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Sadaf Shamas added useful support with 20 off 20 balls, while Umm e Hani contributed 17 from 15 deliveries. Tuba Hassan then produced a late burst, smashing 12 off just four balls, including a boundary and a six, to give Pakistan’s total some much-needed momentum. Pakistan eventually finished on 119/9 from their 20 overs. Thailand’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Thipatcha Putthawong and Suleeporn Laomi claiming three wickets apiece. Phannita Maya also picked up two wickets, while Sunida Chaturongrattana took one.
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Sadia Iqbal destroys Thailand’s batting unit
Chasing 120, Thailand found it difficult to establish any sustained momentum against Pakistan’s varied bowling attack. Natthakan Chantham made 14 from 27 balls, while Naruemol Chaiwai scored 17 from 33 deliveries, but neither could accelerate the innings. Chanida Sutthiruang offered Thailand a glimmer of hope with a determined 25 off 24 balls, including two fours. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi also contributed 13, but the required run rate continued to climb as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control.
Sadia Iqbal was particularly impressive, finishing with three wickets for just 11 runs from her four overs. Hassan added two wickets for 17 runs, while Nashra Sandhu delivered an outstanding spell of 4-0-6-1. Fatima Sana also claimed a wicket, restricting Thailand’s scoring opportunities. Thailand eventually ended their 20 overs at 84/8, falling 35 runs short of Pakistan’s target. Muneeba’s crucial innings earned her the Player of the Match award after she played the anchor role Pakistan required in challenging batting conditions.
Muneeba Ali top-scored with a 54 off 52 balls to earn the Player of the Match award 🥇#MuneebaAli #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/cMPiGHvO2Q
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) September 2, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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