Thailand stun Pakistan

Thailand produced the first upset of the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup 2022 in Sylhet as they stunned Pakistan with a four-wicket win on Thursday.

Natthakan Chantham led the charge for Thailand as she scored 61 to help them chase down 117, and earn the player of the match award herself.

This is Pakistan’s first defeat in the tournament after two wins, and Thailand’s first after two defeats.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof won the toss and opted to bat first. But that decision seemingly did not work as any of their batters except for opener Sidra Ameen could bat for long.

Ameen, who scored 56, was the mainstay but she could not accelerate as she took 64 deliveries to score that much. Pakistan, with no acceleration, ended on 116-5. Sornnarin Tippoch picked up a couple of wickets for Thailand.

In reply, Thailand openers Nannapat Koncharoenkai (13) and Chantham put together 40 runs for the first wicket, but they took 8.3 overs, creating worries.

But Chantham continued and had support from skipper Naruemol Chaiwai (17). Chantham was dismissed in the 19th over with 12 runs required from eight balls, setting up a nervy finish.

Thailand needed 10 off the final over and Rosenan Kanoh hit a four in the second delivery of the over to ease the pressure, and then she and Nattaya Boochatham took them home with a delivery in hand.