Thailand and the United Arab Emirates will face off in the 1st Semi-Final of the ongoing 2024 Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s T20 Premier Cup. The game will be played at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, on the 16th of February 2024, at 7:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Thailand – Naruemol Chaiwai (C), Natthakan Chantam, Nattaya Boochatham, Nanthita Boonsukham, Kanyakorn Bunthansen, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenanee Kanoh, Suwanan Khiaoto (WK), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (WK), Phannita Maya, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Thipatcha Putthawong, Chanida Sutthiruang, Apishara Suwanchonrati, Sornnarin Tippoch
United Arab Emirates – Esha Oza (C, WK), Samaira Dharnidharka, Kavisha Egodage, Siya Gokhale, Heena Hotchandhani, Al Maseera Jahangir, Suraksha Kotte, Vaishnave Mahesh, Indhuja Nandakumar, Rinitha Rajith, Rishitha Rajith, Theertha Satish (WK), Khushi Sharma, Mehak Thakur
Players to watch out:
Suwanan Khiaoto
The 19-year-old keeper-batter from 12 T20I innings has accumulated 189 runs and kicked off her campaign by registering a new career best of 74. Though Suwanan departed cheaply for 9 in the following outing, it’ll be watched to see if she can get back amongst runs, recording another significant score.
Onnicha Kamchomphu
The 26-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, from 67 outings has picked up 70 wickets, including the best of 4/6, and has added 121 runs from 34 innings. Onnicha kicked off her campaign by registering figures of 2/3 and followed up with figures of 1/22, 1/9, and 1/13. It’ll be expected that she carries forward this form into this must-win.
Theertha Satish
The 19-year-old keeper-batter from 53 T20I outings has amassed 1232 runs, including the highest of 93, at an average of 29.33 and a strike rate of 108.54. Theertha hasn’t been required much with the bat in this competition, registering scores of 20* and 3. She is an experienced campaigner and can be trusted to lead the scoring.
Heena Hotchandhani
The 23-year-old left-arm spinner, averaging 9.33 and maintaining an economy of 3.73, has scalped 9 wickets from as many T20Is. Heena returned to the side for the first time since 2018 for this competition and has been exceptional, producing figures of 1/6, 2/1, 1/7, and 3/9. It’ll be hoped she continues with this momentum.
Pitch:
The wicket at Bayuemas Oval provides a balanced playing surface, one that caters to both batters and bowlers. While it favors batters, the average score in the 130s indicates the assistance bowlers, especially spinners, can expect.
Weather:
Despite scattered thunderstorms, the conditions are favorable for a complete game of cricket as the rain stays away during match hours. The temperature is expected to hover around 30°C with light winds and humidity of 70%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Theertha Satish, Naruemol Chaiwai, Khushi Sharma, Kavisha Egodage, Esha Oza, Chanida Sutthiruang, Samaira Dharnidharka, Nattaya Boochatham, Thipatcha Putthawong, Vaishnave Mahesh
Match details:
Date – February 16, 2024
Time – 7:00 AM IST
Venue – Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.