Led by Rabeya Khan’s impressive 4 for 14, Bangladesh secured a convincing 7-wicket victory over Thailand to claim their first win in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup. This win keeps their semifinal hopes alive. Having restricted Thailand to 96 for 9, the Nigar Sultana-led side chased down the target with 15 balls to spare, though they remain third in the table due to Net Run Rate, reports Live Cricket Score.
The Difference: Middle Overs
Thailand’s innings faltered in the middle overs, with five wickets falling during this period. Rabeya and Ritu Moni effectively controlled their scoring rate. In contrast, Bangladesh built the foundation for their chase with a 60-run partnership between Murshida Khatun and Ishma Tanjim.
Powerplay: Thailand’s Steady Start
Phase Score: 25/0 (RR: 4.17; 4x4s, 0x6s)
Choosing to bat, Thailand started cautiously. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi managed only two runs off her first 16 deliveries before hitting Sabikun Nahar for a boundary. Her partner, Nattaya Boochatham, was more aggressive. Importantly, Thailand navigated this phase without losing a wicket.
Middle Overs: Bangladesh Strikes Back
Phase Score: 39/5 (RR: 4.33; 3x4s, 0x6s)
While Boochatham continued to score steadily, she lacked support from the other end. After losing her opening partner post-powerplay, Thailand’s middle order collapsed under pressure from Ritu Moni and Rabeya Khan, who dismantled the top six batters. This phase severely hampered Thailand’s innings.
Death Overs: Controlled Acceleration by Thailand
Phase Score: 32/4 (RR: 6.40; 2x4s, 0x6s)
Despite Bangladesh bowlers maintaining the pressure, Suleeporn Laomi and Rosenan Kanoh scored some quick runs towards the end, lifting Thailand to a competitive, modest total.
Bangladesh:
Powerplay: Quick Start in Chase
Phase Score: 39/1 (RR: 6.50; 7x4s, 0x6s)
Although Suthiruang initially kept the Bangladesh openers in check, Dilara Akter struck aggressively against Boochatham, hitting three successive boundaries. Akter’s promising start was curtailed by a run out in the fourth over, but Murshida Khatun accelerated the innings and maintained the momentum.
Middle: Khatun and Tanjim Dominate
Phase Score: 47/1 (RR: 5.22; 4x4s, 0x6s)
Even though Thailand managed to control the scoring rate in the middle overs and limited boundaries, they failed to take more than one wicket. Murshida Khatun and Ishma Tanjim formed a crucial 60-run partnership that dashed Thailand’s hopes. Tanjim was dismissed in the 15th over, but Khatun reached her fifth T20I half-century, strengthening Bangladesh’s position.
Death Overs: Bangladesh Seals the Win
Phase Score: 14/1 in 2.3 overs (RR: 5.6; 1x4s, 0x6s)
Despite the match being well in hand, Thailand made Bangladesh work for the final runs. Murshida Khatun was dismissed, and Moni and Rumana had to labour for the remaining 11 runs. Thailand’s effort to delay the inevitable gave them a chance to advance to the playoffs, potentially determined by Net Run Rate.
Brief Scores: Thailand 96/9 in 20 overs (Nattaya Boochatham 40; Rabeya Khan 4-14, Ritu Moni 2-10) lost to Bangladesh 100/3 in 17.3 overs (Murshida Khatun 50; Phannita Maya 1-8) by 7 wickets
