Pakistan Women opened their ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 35 run victory over Thailand. The fifth match of the tournament took place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan defended a modest total of 119 runs with an impressive bowling display. Thailand managed 84 runs for eight wickets in their 20 overs and never found enough momentum during the chase.
Sadia Iqbal led Pakistan’s bowling attack with an excellent spell. She finished with three wickets for just 11 runs from her four overs. Tuba Hassan also made an important contribution with two wickets.
Nashra Sandhu and captain Fatima Sana claimed one wicket each as Pakistan kept Thailand under pressure throughout the innings.
Muneeba Ali Anchors Pakistan Innings
Pakistan faced early trouble after choosing to bat first. Shawaal Zulfiqar and Gull Feroza returned to the pavilion after scoring one and zero respectively.
The early dismissals left Pakistan at six runs for two wickets inside the opening two overs. Ayesha Zafar then departed after making nine runs from eight deliveries.
Muneeba Ali and Sadaf Shamas helped Pakistan recover with a crucial 54 run partnership. Their stand provided much needed stability after the difficult start.
Sadaf scored 20 runs before Suleeporn Laomi dismissed her in the 13th over. Captain Fatima Sana also fell for a duck during the same over.
Muneeba continued to carry the innings and added another 13 runs with Umm e Hani. Laomi eventually dismissed the opener, who top scored for Pakistan with a composed 54 from 52 balls.
Muneeba struck four boundaries during her innings and played a key role in helping Pakistan reach a defendable total.
Pakistan lost three more wickets during the following three overs. However, Umm e Hani and Tuba Hassan added valuable runs to push the total to 119 for nine after 20 overs.
Umm e Hani contributed 17 runs, while Tuba Hassan remained unbeaten on 12.
Thailand’s bowlers also enjoyed some success. Laomi finished with three wickets for 14 runs, while Thipatcha Putthawong claimed three wickets for 18 runs. Phannita Maya took two wickets, while Sunida Chaturongrattana picked up one.
Thailand struggled to respond during the chase. Chanida Sutthiruang top scored with 25 from 24 balls, while captain Naruemol Chaiwai added 17.
Natthakan Chantham scored 14 and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi made 13, but Pakistan’s disciplined attack prevented any meaningful partnership from developing.
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The 35 run victory gave Pakistan an important start to their T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign. The result moved them into second place in Group A behind India on net run rate.
Thailand dropped to third place with two points from three group matches. Pakistan will now look to build on this strong opening performance as the tournament continues.
