Pakistan began their Women’s Asia Cup campaign with a 35-run victory over Thailand at the Dubai International Stadium.
After choosing to bat first, Pakistan recovered from a difficult start to post 119-9 from their 20 overs. Thailand were then restricted to 84-8 as Pakistan’s spinners took control of the contest.
Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali led Pakistan’s recovery with a patient 54 from 52 balls, hitting four boundaries. Her innings proved decisive after Pakistan lost Shawaal Zulfiqar and Gull Feroza with only six runs on the board.
Muneeba added 54 runs with Sadaf Shamas, who made 20 from 20 deliveries, to steady the innings. However, Thailand continued to take wickets regularly and prevented Pakistan from building momentum.
Muneeba Ali Siddiqui of Pakistan receives the Player of the Match Award during the presentation of the Match 5 of the DP World Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 between Pakistan and Thailand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on September 1, 2026.
Photo by Vipin Pawar / CREIMAS for ACC
Suleeporn Laomi was Thailand’s most economical bowler, taking 3-14 from four overs, while Thipatcha Putthawong finished with 3-18. Phannita Maya also claimed two wickets.
Pakistan were 112-9 during the final over before Tuba Hassan provided a valuable late boost. She struck an unbeaten 12 from four balls, including a four and a six, to lift the total to 119.
Thailand’s chase began badly as Phannita Maya and Nannapat Koncharoenkai were dismissed in the second over, leaving the side 6-2.
Captain Naruemol Chaiwai attempted to rebuild the innings but struggled to increase the scoring rate. She made 17 from 33 balls before being dismissed by Tuba Hassan.
Chanida Sutthiruang top-scored for Thailand with 25 from 24 deliveries, but the required rate continued to rise. Thailand completed their 20 overs on 84-8, well short of the target.
Sadia Iqbal was the outstanding bowler for Pakistan, taking 3-11 from four overs, including a maiden. Nashra Sandhu conceded only six runs from her four overs and claimed one wicket, while Tuba Hassan finished with 2-17. Captain Fatima Sana also took one wicket.
Fatima Sana Khan, Captain of Pakistan signs the match ball during Match 5 of the DP World Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 between Pakistan and Thailand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on September 1, 2026.
Photo by Vipin Pawar / CREIMAS for ACC
Speaking after the match, Fatima praised Muneeba for taking responsibility when Pakistan’s batting was under pressure.
“We were struggling with the bat but she, being a senior player, took the responsibility,” Fatima said.
The Pakistan captain was also encouraged by the performance of her slow bowlers and said she hoped they would maintain their form during the remainder of the competition.
“We have a good spin attack and hope they carry this momentum,” she added.
The victory gave Pakistan a winning start, although their batting performance left areas to address before they face stronger opposition later in the group stage.
Thailand, meanwhile, could take encouragement from an impressive bowling display that kept Pakistan to a modest total. Their inability to rotate the strike and build partnerships during the chase ultimately decided the match.
Pakistan’s 119 appeared below par at the halfway stage, but disciplined bowling and regular wickets ensured it was more than enough. Scorecard and match details.
