Muneeba Ali’s fourth T20I half-century and three wickets by Sadia Iqbal helped Pakistan women beat Thailand women by 35 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday evening.
How did Pakistan women beat Thailand in the Asia Cup?
Pakistan defended 119 successfully after restricting Thailand to 84 for eight in 20 overs. Sadia Iqbal struck three times, while Nashra Sundhu and Tuba Hassan also contributed with the ball as Pakistan secured a winning start to their campaign.
Chasing 120 to win, Thailand struggled from the beginning and lost two wickets in the second over with only six runs on the board. Both wickets were taken by left-arm spinner Sadia, who bowled a double-wicket maiden.
Sadia returned in the final over to claim her third wicket and finished with impressive figures of 4-1-11-3. Her spell played a key role in preventing Thailand from building momentum during the run chase.
How did Pakistan’s spinners restrict Thailand?
Another left-arm spinner, Nashra Sundhu, was Pakistan’s most economical bowler, conceding just six runs and taking one wicket from her four overs. Her tight spell added further pressure on Thailand’s batters.
Right-arm leg-spinner Tuba Hassan also featured among the wickets, taking two wickets for 17 runs from her quota of four overs. Pakistan’s spin attack kept Thailand from establishing a strong partnership or mounting a serious challenge.
Thailand eventually finished on 84 for eight from their 20 overs, handing Pakistan a 35-run victory. The result gave Pakistan two points from their opening match of the eight-team tournament.
How did Muneeba Ali help Pakistan post 119?
Pakistan opted to bat first and scored 119 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, with opening batter Muneeba Ali leading the way. She scored 54 off 52 balls, including four fours, for her fourth T20I half-century.
Sadaf Shamas was Pakistan’s other notable contributor, scoring 20 from 20 balls. She struck three boundaries and shared a 54-run partnership with Muneeba for the fourth wicket.
Muneeba’s innings provided Pakistan with the main foundation for their total, while Thailand’s Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong took two wickets each.
When will Pakistan women play India in the Asia Cup?
Pakistan will play India in their second group match on Saturday, 5 September. The match will also be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan will enter the contest after opening their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a 35-run victory over Thailand.
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