The Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 is right around the corner, and as the host nation, Thailand is gearing up to showcase its burgeoning talent on the continental stage. This tournament, formerly known as the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, serves as a vital platform for the next generation of cricketers, and for Thailand, it’s a golden opportunity to build on the incredible progress they’ve made in the global game.
The selection committee has gone with a squad that balances veteran leaders with the raw energy of upcoming talent. Naruemol Chaiwai continues to lead from the front, bringing a sense of calm and tactical depth that will be essential against the ‘A’ teams of the full members. Supported by staples like Chanida Sutthiruang and Nattaya Boochatham, this is a group that has played enough high-stakes cricket to know they can take down anyone on their day.
Natthakan Chantham remains the undisputed engine room of the Thai batting order. With a recent unbeaten 57 against Nepal and a gritty 46 against a fierce Bangladesh attack, she is in prime form. Thailand’s batting revolves around the clinical Natthakan Chantham, whose recent numbers are a testament to her dominance in the region. Having amassed 2,486 career runs, she enters this tournament on the back of a monstrous 148* against Singapore in December and a crucial 57 against Nepal just weeks ago. She isn’t just a run-getter; she’s a pacesetter.
Supporting her is the incredibly reliable Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who has scored 2,356 runs with a career average of 26.17. Whether it’s her gritty 54 against Zimbabwe or her ability to keep the scoreboard ticking under pressure, she provides the perfect foil for Chantham. Adding the tactical leadership of Captain Naruemol Chaiwai, who boasts 1,889 runs and a recent high of 83* against Kuwait, the Thai top-order is arguably the most settled and dangerous unit in the competition.
On the bowling front, Thailand’s strength lies in their ability to squeeze the life out of an innings. The Rising Stars tag might suggest a work in progress, but Thailand’s bowling attack is already a well-oiled machine. Thipatcha Putthawong continues to be the crown jewel of the attack; with 144 career wickets at a staggering average of 9.23, she is a nightmare for any batter looking to accelerate. Her recent 5/6 against Uganda and a 4-wicket haul against Nepal prove she is in peak wicket-taking form.
She is joined by the crafty off-spinner Onnicha Kamchomphu, whose 134 wickets and recent 5/18 against Namibia show she can tear through a middle order in a heartbeat. Rounding out the trio is the legendary Nattaya Boochatham, who, despite eyeing the sunset of her career, remains as lethal as ever with 126 wickets and an economy rate that rarely creeps above four. Together, these three create a squeeze that forces errors, making it nearly impossible for teams to chase even modest totals against them.
Thailand’s squad for Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026:
Naruemol Chaiwai (C), Thipatcha Putthawong, Arrikan Phuengkho, Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, Nannaphat Chaihan, Onauma Senanok, Natthakan Chantham, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Phannita Maya, Chanida Sutthiruang, Kanyakorn Bunthansen, Suleeporn Laomi, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Sunida Chaturongrattana
Hosting the tournament in Bangkok adds a layer of excitement and expectation. Playing at the Terdthai Cricket Ground means the Thai women will be performing in conditions they know better than anyone else. The heat and the slow-turning tracks are part of their DNA, and having the home crowd behind them could be the twelfth man that helps them navigate through the tough Group B fixtures.
Thailand has been placed in Group B, a challenging pool that includes Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, and Malaysia. They kick off their campaign on February 14th against Malaysia, a match they’ll be desperate to win to set the tone. Following that, they face the powerhouses—Bangladesh A on February 16th and Sri Lanka A on February 18th. To reach the semi-finals on February 20th, they’ll need at least two wins, making every single group game feel like a final.
Schedule:
- February 14th vs Malaysia (Saturday)
- February 16th vs Bangladesh A (Monday)
- February 18th vs Sri Lanka A (Wednesday)
As the tournament gets underway at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the host nation. This isn’t just about defending home turf; it’s a golden opportunity for Thailand to bridge the gap between associate success and the elite “A” sides of the cricketing world. With a squad that perfectly blends veteran composure and raw, rising talent, the Thai women are ready to show that they don’t just belong on this stage—they’re ready to own it. Keep your eyes on Bangkok; the next chapter of Asian cricket starts now.
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