The Pakistan women’s cricket team began their campaign with a win in the Group A match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Thanks to Sadia Iqbal’s superb bowling and opener Muneeba Ali’s half-century, Pakistan defeated the Thailand women’s team by 35 runs. With this resounding victory, Pakistan secured two points and moved into second place in the standings, just behind the Indian team.

Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Sadia’s lethal bowling and Muneeba’s fifty help Pakistan beat Thailand by 35 runs.

Muneeba Ali’s fifty sets Thailand a target of 120.

The Pakistani team, which won the toss and came to bat first, had a very bad start. Openers Shawal Zulfiqar and Gul Feroz returned to the pavilion in the second over itself without making a major contribution. After this, captain Fatima Sana was also out on zero. After the initial setbacks, opener Muneeba Ali played a composed innings of 54 runs in 52 balls with the help of 4 fours. Sadaf Shamas contributed 20 runs in the middle order. The entire Pakistan team could score only 119 runs after losing 9 wickets in 20 overs. From Thailand’s side, Thipacha Putthawong and Suliporn Laomi took 3-3 wickets, while Fanita Maya took 2 wickets.

Thailand bowled out for 84 by Sadia Iqbal’s spin

Chasing the target of 120 runs, Thailand also had a bad start. Sadia Iqbal bowled Phanita Maya on the second ball of the second over and got Nannapat Koncharoenkai caught out on the last ball of the same over, pushing Thailand on the back foot. Chanida Sutthiruang scored the highest 25 runs for Thailand, while captain Naruemol Chaiwai contributed 17 runs. Sadia Iqbal took 3 wickets for just 11 runs in 4 overs. Tuba Hassan got 2 wickets, while Fatima Sana and Nashra Sandhu took 1 wicket each, restricting Thailand to 84/9 in 20 overs.

The turning point of the match and the way forward

“Challenging 119 after the early setbacks wasn’t easy, but the bowlers executed as planned. Sadia’s two early dismissals put the pressure on Thailand.”

The two points from this win are a strong start to the tournament for Pakistan. India currently leads Group A in terms of net run rate, while Pakistan has fallen to second place. Thailand will need to improve their batting order to bounce back in their next match.