As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025 flags off in Thailand, a total of 9 teams commence the battle for the couple of spots to the global qualifier. The tournament is set to unleash a handful of promising talents from each of the 9 sides participating in the competition as it navigates through the various stages.
The hosts, Thailand, led by skipper Naruemol Chaiwai, were up against Kuwait, led by skipper Amna Tariq, in the opening game of the tournament. Hong Kong, led by skipper Natasha Miles, were up against Nepal, led by skipper Indu Barma, in the 2nd game of the tournament, while Mas Elysa-led Malaysia were up against UAE, led by skipper Esha Oza, in the 3rd match on the opening day of the tournament.
Maya, Putthawong, and Sutthiruang guide Thailand to a massive win
Thailand’s bowlers used the home conditions with precision and ran through Kuwait’s batting unit, after skipper Naruemol Chaiwai won the toss and opted to field first at Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok.
The 20-run partnership for the 4th wicket between Siobhan Gomez (13 off 15 balls) and Maryam Omar (10 off 29 balls) was the highest partnership of the innings for Kuwait. Mariamma Hyder (15* off 22 balls) was the top scorer with the bat for her side. Phannita Maya (4-1-9-2), Thipatcha Putthawong (4-0-9-2), Chanida Sutthiruang (3-0-4-1), and Onnicha Kamchomphu (4-0-11-0) were exceptional with the ball for Thailand.
Chasing a target of 57, the Thailand openers Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (22 off 24 balls) and Sunida Chatturongrattana (22 off 24 balls) almost got their side over the line with a 47-run opening partnership. Thailand eventually got over the line with 8 wickets in hand and 11 overs to spare. Zeefa Jilani (2-0-13-1) and Priyada Murali (1-0-9-1) were the wicket-takers with the ball for Kuwait, and Mariamma Hyder (2-0-9-0) was impressive with the ball for her side. Phannita Maya was awarded the Player of the Match for her brilliant spell with the ball for her side.
Note: The 2nd game of the tournament between Hong Kong and Nepal was washed out without a ball being bowled.
Katie Thompson’s four-wicket haul powers UAE to a thumping win
The game was reduced to a 7-over-per-side per side contest. An exceptional display from the United Arab Emirates bowling unit restricted Malaysia to 30/8 in their quota of 7 overs after skipper Esha Oza won the toss and opted to field first, at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Bangkok. Skipper Mas Elysa (16 off 17 balls) top-scored with the bat for Malaysia.
Katie Thompson (2-0-7-4) was exceptional with the ball, while Michelle Botha (2-0-11-2) and Heena Hotchandani (2-0-6-1) were impressive with the ball for her side. UAE chased down the total with 9 wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare. Lavanya Keny (16* off 12 balls) and skipper Esha Oza (12 off 8 balls) played their part with the bat for the United Arab Emirates. Nur Daniya Syuhada (2-0-6-0) was impressive with the ball for Malaysia. Katie Thompson (2-0-7-4) was awarded the Player of the Match for her game-changing spell with the ball for her side.
