Women's Asia Cup 2026, PAK-W vs THA-W 5th Match, Group A Match Report, September 01, 2026

Muneeba Ali braved the oppressive heat of Dubai before Pakistan’s spinners put on a disciplined show to begin their T20 Asia Cup campaign with a commanding win over Thailand. The result knocked Thailand out of the competition as they suffered their second defeat in three matches.

On a pitch which stayed low, Fatima Sana backed her spinners to do the job by opting to bat at the toss, a decision which raised eyebrows at the time. She stood vindicated in the end as Pakistan completed a comfortable 35-run win.

But, it also brought to light Pakistan’s perennial batting woes as they managed only 119 for 9 in 20 overs despite Sana harbouring hopes of her side going beyond 150. Thailand never stood a chance of chasing the target against Pakistan’s quality spin attack and finished with 84-8 in 20 overs.

Putthawong back at top

There was anticipation in the lead up to this contest as to whether the Thai left-arm orthodox bowler would surpass India’s Deepti Sharma as the highest wicket-taker in the format. Putthawong did not make the spectators wait as she achieved the feat with a double-wicket maiden in the second over of the game.

Putthawong sent back Shawaal Zulfiqar on the second ball with the one that gripped off a length. It had Zulfiqar punch the ball right into the midriff of Suleeporn Laomi at point. Four balls later, she got her landmark wicket when Gull Feroza, back into the Pakistan side after missing the Sri Lanka T20Is, was caught at fine leg while playing the paddle.

That over tightened the screws on the Pakistan batters as they struggled to get going throughout the powerplay, which they finished with 32 for 3. Putthawong and Phannita Maya shared the six overs between themselves but it was the former’s figures of 3-0-21-1 that stood out.

Ayesha Zafar was the third batter to fall inside the powerplay, courtesy an outstanding catch by Natthakan Chantham at midwicket off Maya’s bowling.

Putthawong added another wicket to her tally in the last over of the innings. She now has 173 wickets in the format at a staggering average of 9.17 and economy of 4.11.

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