Brief Scores: Pakistan (92/7 in 10.4 overs) defeated Thailand (91/4 in 11 overs) by 3 wickets in the Asian Games women’s cricket quarter-final match.
In an exciting quarter-final match of the Asian Games women’s cricket tournament held in Nisshin, Pakistan Women pulled off a nail-biting three-wicket victory over Thailand on Thursday. Chasing a target of 92 after rain curtailed the match to 11 overs, Pakistan managed to secure the win with just two balls left.
The match was made more thrilling by the rain delays, which set both teams on a tighter schedule, leaving no room for mistakes. Thailand started strong with their bowling, but as the game progressed, Pakistan kept their cool and fought hard to achieve their target.
This victory builds on Pakistan’s recent match against Thailand in the Women’s Asia Cup earlier this month, where Pakistan emerged victorious by 35 runs.
Thailand’s Strong Start Overcome by Pakistan’s Resolve
Thailand faced an early setback when Natthakan Chantham was caught by Ayesha Zafar off Fatima Sana’s bowling in the second over. Chantham had scored 6 runs, but her dismissal left Thailand at 7 for 1.
However, Phannita Maya and Nannapat Koncharoenkai regrouped and formed a solid partnership, adding 65 runs for the second wicket. The duo steadied the innings after an initial struggle, helping Thailand build a competitive total.
Koncharoenkai was the standout performer, scoring 49 runs off 38 balls, including seven boundaries. Despite the early loss, her innings provided a much-needed boost for Thailand. Maya contributed 15 runs before retiring out, and captain Naruemol Chaiwai added 10 runs from just three balls before being dismissed. In the end, Thailand finished with a total of 91 runs for the loss of four wickets.
Pakistan’s Quick Response in the Chase
Pakistan’s pursuit of the target started aggressively, with Gull Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar putting up a quick 36 runs for the first wicket. Zulfiqar was particularly aggressive, scoring 25 runs off just 14 balls, hitting three fours and a six. Pakistan comfortably reached 33 without losing any wickets in the first three overs.
But Thailand quickly turned the tide by taking three wickets in quick succession. Onnicha Kamchomphu was key in this comeback, taking Zulfiqar, Feroza, and Aliya Riaz’s wickets. Feroza scored 16 runs, while Riaz added only 4, leaving Pakistan at 39 for 2.
Fatima Sana then played a crucial role, scoring 21 runs off 13 balls before being dismissed, but by then, Pakistan still needed 19 runs from 18 balls to win.
Turning Point Comes in the Eighth Over
As Pakistan faced 44 runs needed in the last four overs, it seemed Thailand was in charge. However, the turning point came during the eighth over bowled by Kamchomphu, who had taken three wickets already.
Fatima Sana launched an aggressive attack, hitting three fours and a six, while Eyman Fatima hit another six, leading Pakistan to score 25 runs in that over. This shift in momentum brought Pakistan back into the game, changing the chase dynamics entirely.
Although Fatima was eventually out for 21 and Eyman scored 7, Tuba Hassan stepped in with spirited batting, hitting a four and a six, bringing Pakistan closer to the target.
In a tense last over, Pakistan needed just four runs with three wickets remaining. Eman Naseer and Umm-e-Hani successfully collected four singles from the first four balls, sealing the victory for Pakistan with two balls to spare.
With this win, Pakistan advanced to the semi-finals, while Thailand showcased a commendable performance despite the loss. Their strong bowling effort put Pakistan under pressure, but the critical eighth over ultimately turned the game in Pakistan’s favor.
Match Summary:
- Thailand Women: 91/4 (11 overs) — Nannapat Koncharoenkai 49, Phannita Maya 15; Fatima Sana 2/22, Nashra Sandhu 1/19.
- Pakistan Women: 92/7 (10.4 overs) — Shawaal Zulfiqar 25, Fatima Sana 21, Gull Feroza 16; Onnicha Kamchomphu 3/37, Sunida Chaturongrattana 2/23.
- Result: Pakistan Women won by 3 wickets with 2 balls remaining.
