LAHORE: Pakistan women began their ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 35-run victory over Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.
Pakistan, asked to bat first, posted 119 for nine in their allotted 20 overs before restricting Thailand to 84 for eight. Muneeba Ali anchored Pakistan’s innings with a composed half-century, while left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal produced a decisive spell to ensure that Thailand never developed momentum in the run chase.
Pakistan’s innings faced early pressure, but Muneeba held the batting together with a patient 54 from 52 deliveries. Her innings included four boundaries and marked her fourth half-century in T20 internationals.
Muneeba’s contribution became particularly important after Pakistan lost three wickets for 23 runs. She built a valuable 54-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Sadaf Shamas, helping Pakistan recover and post a competitive total on a surface where stroke-making was not always easy.
Sadaf Shamas provided important support with a run-a-ball 20, striking three boundaries. Her partnership with Muneeba stabilised the innings and prevented Thailand from gaining complete control during the middle overs.
Pakistan lost wickets regularly towards the end of the innings and finished at 119 for nine. For Thailand, Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong claimed three wickets each, while other bowlers also succeeded in containing Pakistan’s scoring rate.
Thailand’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Sadia Iqbal removed two batters in the second over without conceding a run. Her double-wicket maiden immediately put Pakistan in command and forced Thailand to rebuild under considerable pressure.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan women beat Thailand women by 35 runsPakistan 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)
