DUBAI (Web Desk) - Muneeba Ali’s fourth T20I half-century and three wickets by Sadia Iqbal led Pakistan women to a 35-run win over Thailand women in the fifth match of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Tuesday evening. This was Pakistan’s first match of the eight-team tournament.
Chasing 120 to win, Thailand were never able to get going in the run-chase as they lost two wickets in the second over with six runs on the board. Both wickets went to left-arm spinner Sadia, who bowled a double-wicket maiden over. Sadia returned in the final over of the match to bag her third wicket and finished with match figures of 4-1-11-3.
Another left-arm spinner, Nashra Sundhu, was the most economical bowler for the winning side, conceding just six runs and taking one wicket in four overs. Right-arm leg-spinner Tuba Hassan was also among the wickets, accounting for two wickets for 17 runs from her quota of four overs.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan managed to score 119 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Opening batter Muneeba was the top run-getter with 54 off 52 balls, which included four fours. Sadaf Shamas was the other notable run-getter with a run-a-ball 20. She struck three boundaries and added 54 runs for the fourth wicket with Muneeba.
For Thailand, Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong took two wickets each.
Pakistan will now take on India in their second group match on Saturday, 5 September at the DICS.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan women beat Thailand women by 35 runs
Pakistan W 119-9, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 54, Sadaf Shamas 20; Suleeporn Laomi 3-14, Thipatcha Putthawong 3-18, Phannita Maya 2-34)
Thailand W 84-8, 20 overs (Chanida Sutthiruang 25; Sadia Iqbal 3-11, Tuba Hassan 2-17)
Player of the match – Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)
Next fixture v India women, 5 September at DICS