Delhi: In the fifth match of Women's Asia Cup 2026, Pakistan women's team started its campaign with a win in the tournament by defeating Thailand by 35 runs. In this match played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan, batting first, scored 119 runs losing 9 wickets in 20 overs with the help of Muniba Ali's brilliant half-century. In reply, Thailand team could score only 84 runs after losing 8 wickets in 20 overs against the tight bowling of Pakistani bowlers.
Muniba Ali played a half-century innings
After winning the toss and coming to bat first, Pakistan had a very poor start. In the very second over, Thipacha Puthavong sent Shawl Zulfikar for 1 run and then sent Gul Firoz to the pavilion without opening the account. After this, Ayesha Zafar also got out after scoring 9 runs. After 6 overs of powerplay, Pakistan's score was only 32 runs for 3 wickets.
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Wickets were falling continuously from one end, but Muniba Ali maintained patience. He made an important partnership of 54 runs for the fourth wicket with Sadaf Shams. Muniba played a fighting inning of 54 runs in 52 balls with the help of 4 fours.
However, in the last overs, Thailand's bowlers again created pressure. Sulaporn Leomi and Thipacha Puthavong took 3 wickets each, while Phanita Maya got 2 wickets. In the end, Tuba Hasan scored unbeaten 12 runs by hitting 1 four and 1 six in just 4 balls and took Pakistan to 119 runs.
Saadia Iqbal wreaked havoc
Chasing the target of 120 runs, Thailand also had a very bad start. In the second over, Pakistan's left arm spinner Sadia Iqbal gave a big blow to Thailand by taking two consecutive wickets. He dismissed Fanita Maya for 4 runs and Nannapat Koncharoenkai without opening the account.
Even after this, Thailand's batsmen continued struggling to score runs. Captain Nattakan Chantam scored 14 runs and Narumol Chavai scored 17 runs, but both could not play big innings.
Thailand team helpless in front of Pakistan spinners
In the middle overs, Pakistan's spin bowlers tightened the noose on Thailand. Tuba Hasan took 2 wickets, while Nashra Sandhu bowled very economically and took 1 wicket for just 6 runs in 4 overs.
Chanida Suthiruang scored the maximum 25 runs for Thailand. She hit 2 fours in her innings of 24 balls, but could not lead the team to victory. Thailand team could score only 84 runs after losing 8 wickets in 20 overs. Pakistan won the match by 35 runs.
Muniba Ali became player of the match
Muniba Ali played an important role in Pakistan's victory. Whereas, in bowling, Saadia Iqbal took 3 wickets for just 11 runs with 1 maiden in 4 overs. Tuba Hasan also supported him well by taking 2 wickets.
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Muniba Ali was chosen player of the match for her brilliant half-century. With this victory, Pakistan has made a great start to its campaign in the Women's Asia Cup 2026.