Muneeba Ali’s half-century and a disciplined bowling display helped Pakistan secure a comfortable 35-run win over Thailand in the fifth match of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Set to chase a modest 120-run target, Thailand could muster 84/8 in their 20 overs and thus succumbed to their second defeat in the ongoing continental tournament.
All-rounder Chanida Sutthiruang remained the top-scorer for the emerging side with a 24-ball 25, while captain Naruemol Chaiwai (17), Natthakan Chantham (14) and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi (13) were the others to amass double figures against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack.
Sadia Iqbal spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling charge with economical bowling figures of 3/11 in her four overs, followed by Tuba Hasan with two, while Nashra Sandhu and captain Fatima Sana chipped in with one scalp apiece.
The comprehensive victory put Pakistan into the second position in the Group A standings of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, only trailing arch-rivals India due to a relatively inferior net run rate.
Thailand, on the other hand, slipped down to the third spot as they finished with two points in three group-stage matches.
Opting to bat first earlier, Pakistan suffered an early collapse, losing Shawaal Zulfiqar (1) and Gull Feroza (0) inside two overs with just six runs on the board.
Ayesha Zafar was dismissed for nine in the fifth over, leaving Pakistan at 23/3. Muneeba Ali and Sadaf Shamas then steadied the innings with a 54-run fourth-wicket partnership before Sadaf fell for 20 in the 13th over. Captain Fatima Sana was dismissed for a duck in the same over.
Muneeba added 13 runs with Umm-e-Hani before Laomi dismissed her for a valiant 54 off 52 balls, including four fours. Pakistan lost three more wickets but contributions from Umm-e-Hani (17) and Tuba Hassan (12 not out) helped them reach 119/9.
Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong claimed three wickets each, while Phannita Maya took two.
Pakistan will face arch-rival India in the second group game on September 5.
