The first Super 3 encounter of the tournament saw a commanding performance from Thailand Women as they outclassed UAE Women by 54 runs in a high-stakes showdown. Having topped their respective groups, both teams entered this clash with momentum, but it was Thailand who stamped their authority early and never let the game slip from their grasp.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Thailand Women crafted a formidable total of 144 for 5 in their 20 overs, thanks to a blend of composure, grit, and late-innings fireworks. The innings was anchored by the ever-reliable Nattaya Boochatham, who played a crucial knock of 49 runs off 48 deliveries. Her innings was a display of calculated aggression, laced with four boundaries, and laid the foundation for a strong total. Supporting her was Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who added a steady 39 off 36 balls. Together, they stitched a vital 67-run stand for the second wicket that steadied the ship after an early breakthrough.
However, it was Natthakan Chantham who turned the game on its head with a scintillating unbeaten 46 off just 20 balls. Her innings, blazing at a strike rate of 230, included four boundaries and two towering sixes. She took the UAE bowling attack apart in the death overs, accelerating Thailand’s scoring and lifting them to a daunting target. The Thai innings closed on a high, and the scoreboard pressure was already telling.
Among the UAE bowlers, Suraksha Kotte stood out with an economical spell of 4-0-13-1. She consistently hit the right lengths and provided control in the powerplay. Skipper Esha Oza also tried to stop the run flow with her spell of 3-0-20-2, and Katie Thompson (4-0-23-1), along with Athige Silva (3-0-36-1), chipped in with a wicket each, but they couldn’t contain Chantham’s onslaught in the latter half of the innings.
In reply, UAE Women faltered under the weight of a stiff chase and disciplined Thai bowling. Their innings never gained momentum, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Heena Hotchandani was the lone warrior, battling her way to a gritty 32 off 46 balls. She struck five boundaries but found little support from the rest of the lineup. Udeni Dona added an unbeaten 17 off 26, but the scoring rate remained sluggish as Thailand’s bowlers tightened the screws with surgical precision.
Thailand’s bowlers delivered a collective masterclass, with Sunida Chaturongrattana leading the way. Her miserly spell of 4-0-7-1 stifled the UAE batters and suffocated their chase. Tipatcha Putthawong (4-0-27-2) chipped in with two key wickets, including that of Heena Hotchandani, while Onnicha Kamchomphu and Phannita Maya maintained the stranglehold through the middle overs.
In the end, UAE could muster only 90 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs, falling well short of the target. Thailand’s clinical execution in all departments — measured batting, explosive finishing, and relentless bowling — made them deserving victors. Natthakan Chantham’s dynamic innings was the heart of their triumph, while the bowlers collectively ensured there were no loose ends. With this emphatic win, Thailand sent a clear message to their Super 3 rivals — they are here not just to compete, but to dominate.
