Thailand, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia secured qualification for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup after winning their respective quarterfinals at the ACC Women’s Premier Cup. The four teams had topped their groups during the league stage and carried that momentum into the knockout rounds, booking their places in the continental tournament later this year. While the dates and venue for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup are yet to be announced, the quartet have now joined the continent’s top teams in the competition.
Thailand continued their unbeaten run with a commanding 56-run victory over Nepal in Kuala Lumpur. After being asked to bat, Thailand posted 130 for 4, thanks largely to wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai’s 62. The experienced opener anchored the innings before Thailand’s bowlers restricted Nepal to 74 for 7. The result was another demonstration of Thailand’s dominance throughout the tournament. They topped Group A with four wins from four matches and an impressive net run rate of 5.348. Thailand conceded just 175 runs across their four group matches while maintaining their status as one of the strongest associate women’s teams in Asia.
The UAE also maintained their perfect record with a 52-run win over hosts Malaysia. Batting first, the UAE reached 138 for 2, powered by an unbeaten 65 from opener Theertha Satish. The left-hander once again showcased the consistency that has made her one of the leading batters in associate women’s cricket. Malaysia never seriously threatened the target and finished on 86 for 5. The victory extended UAE’s unbeaten run in the tournament, having finished atop Group B with four wins in four matches and a remarkable net run rate of 7.923, the highest among all teams.
Hong Kong joined the final four with a convincing 41-run victory over Japan in Bangi. Yasmin Daswani led the way with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 55 from just 36 deliveries to help Hong Kong post a competitive total. Their bowlers then completed the job as Maryam Bibi claimed 3 for 17 and Marina Lamplough picked up 2 for 11 to keep Japan under control throughout the chase. Hong Kong had entered the quarterfinals after winning all three of their group matches and continued that unbeaten streak with another incredible performance.
The most emphatic victory of the day belonged to Indonesia, who crushed Oman by 113 runs in a one-sided contest. Captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini struck 51 to guide Indonesia to 137 for 7 before the bowlers dismantled Oman for just 24 in 11.5 overs. Ni Made Putri Suwandewi starred with the ball, returning figures of 4 for 11 as Indonesia completed one of the biggest wins of the tournament. The result further highlighted Indonesia’s rapid rise in women’s cricket, having also topped Group C with three victories from three matches.
The focus now shifts to the semi-finals, scheduled to be played in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Thailand will face Indonesia, while Hong Kong take on the UAE for a place in the final. With qualification already secured, the four teams can now look forward to competing at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, where they will have the opportunity to test themselves against established sides such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
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