Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Pakistan opened their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a 35-run win over Thailand in Dubai, but the victory also offered a timely reminder of what they will need to sharpen before facing India in their next Group A match.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 119 for 9 on a slow surface before their spinners and disciplined bowling attack restricted Thailand to 84 for 8. Pakistan also didn’t field well as they put down three during the chase. Thailand, meanwhile, have now completed all three of their league matches, finishing with one win and two defeats.
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Pakistan will next face India on September 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.The fixture is expected to be a significantly tougher test, with India having already defeated Thailand by 94 runs in their opening game.
MUNEEBA RESCUES PAKISTAN AFTER EARLY COLLAPSE
Pakistan’s batting began badly as they slipped to 6 for 2 inside two overs. Shawaal Zulfiqar was dismissed for 1 before Gull Feroza fell for a duck, both wickets coming against Thipatcha Putthawong, who toppled Deepti Sharma to become the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is.
Thailand also had opportunities to make the damage worse. Muneeba Ali survived a miscued pull and was also given a reprieve when Thailand missed a caught-and-bowled chance. The Pakistan opener made the most of her luck, producing the innings’ defining contribution.
Muneeba scored 54 off 52 balls, hitting four fours, and was named Player of the Match. She put Pakistan’s innings back on track alongside Sadaf Shamas, with the pair adding 54 runs for the fourth wicket.
Shamas contributed 20 from 20 balls before falling to Suleeporn Laomi, who was Thailand’s best bowler with 3 for 14. Putthawong also finished with three wickets, conceding only 18 runs.
Pakistan again lost momentum when captain Fatima Sana fell for a duck, but the lower order provided a crucial push. Umm-e-Hani made 17 from 15 balls, while Tuba Hassan smashed an unbeaten 12 off just four deliveries, including a six and a four. Those late runs helped Pakistan collect 13 from the final over.
It was not a daunting total on paper, but Pakistan appeared to recognise that batting conditions could become more challenging as the match progressed.
PAKISTAN SPINNERS SET UP INDIA TEST
That assessment proved correct. Pakistan’s spinners strangled Thailand’s chase almost from the beginning, making it difficult for the batters to score freely or build sustained partnerships.
Sadia Iqbal produced the standout bowling performance, taking 3 for 11 from four overs, including a maiden. She struck twice early, removing Phannita Maya for 4 and Nannapat Koncharoenkai for a duck in the same over.
Nashra Sandhu was even more economical. Her four overs cost only six runs and included a maiden, while she dismissed Natthakan Chantham for 14. Tuba Hassan added two wickets for 17, including the stumping of Aphisara Suwanchonrathi.
Thailand’s Chanida Sutthiruang offered the strongest resistance, top-scoring with 25 off 24 balls, but the lack of support around her meant Thailand never seriously threatened the target. Fatima Sana also chipped in with the wicket of Laomi.
Pakistan’s fielding, however, remains an area for improvement. Dropping catches against Thailand did not prove costly, but such lapses could hurt them against a stronger Indian batting line-up.
India have already made a powerful start to the tournament, beating Thailand by 94 runs, with Shafali Verma scoring 64 and Deepti Sharma returning remarkable figures of 3 for 0.
Pakistan therefore have four days to build on a victory that showcased their spin strength but also exposed some weaknesses. The win over Thailand gives Fatima Sana’s side confidence and two points, but the India clash will demand far greater discipline
The Thailand win was a good beginning. Against India, Pakistan will need considerably more.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
