The 21st match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 unfolded in gripping fashion, as United Arab Emirates Women narrowly defeated Thailand Women by just 7 runs at the picturesque Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok.
Thailand won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that seemed to unsettle the UAE’s batters early on. The UAE Women’s top order stumbled from the outset: skipper Esha Oza departed for just 4 off 2 balls, giving Thailand an early breakthrough. Neither Theertha Satish nor Rinitha Rajith, despite brief flashes of aggression, could build a substantial partnership. Satish managed 10 off 12 balls, and Rajith 8 off 7.
It was really in the middle overs that the UAE attempted to stitch things together. Michelle Botha held one end firm, contributing a vital 18 off 32 balls, while Samaira Dharnidharka added a steady 11 from 14 deliveries. Their efforts, combined with late batting contributions, helped the UAE post a modest total of 80.
On the bowling front for Thailand, the spin of Phannita Maya and Sunida Chaturongrattana stood out. Maya picked up two early wickets and conceded just 17 runs in her 2 overs, while Chaturongrattana grabbed 2 wickets for 9 runs in her 4, both bowlers effectively strangling the UAE innings in the middle overs. Thipatcha Putthawong recorded the bowling figures of 1 wicket for 7 runs in 4 overs, and Onicha Kamchomphu claimed 2 wickets for 15 runs in her 4 overs.
Despite the low total, the UAE had enough to feel competitive, but their margin for error was razor thin. Chasing 81, Thailand’s innings started steadily with opening batter Nattaya Boochatham hitting a confident 14 off 14. Yet after her dismissal, the ship began to wobble. Wickets fell at regular intervals: a double blow reduced Thailand to 25/2, and then further setbacks reduced them to 32/5 within 10.2 overs.
At that precarious juncture, all eyes turned to Suwanan Khiaoto, who delivered a gritty 24 off 24 balls, the top score of the Thai innings, offering a glimmer of hope. Support came from a few lower-order batters: Suleeporn Laomi added 4, while Onnicha Kamchomphu held on for a 3 not out, but those contributions proved insufficient.
For the UAE, the bowlers rose to the occasion under pressure. Botha claimed two crucial wickets, while Oza, apart from her disappointment with the bat, returned to bowl tightly, taking 3 for 12 in her 4 overs. Bowling alongside them, Vaishnave Mahesh delivered a match-defining spell of 4 for 10, sealing the fate of the Thai chase.
Despite a valiant fight by Thailand’s batters, the chase never really gathered momentum. The fall of the tenth wicket at 73, with just three balls to spare, summed up the close nature of the battle.
The UAE clinched a nervy but deserved win in a low-scoring thriller, a match defined not by big totals or flashy hitting, but by disciplined bowling, tactical spin work, and nerve under pressure. For Thailand, it was a squandered opportunity, for the UAE, a gritty display of team resilience and composure.
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