In an exhilarating opening match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand Women showcased a disciplined and all-around performance to secure a 23-run victory over the Netherlands Women. Choosing to field first, the Netherlands hoped to exploit early movement on the pitch, but Thailand’s steady resilience at the crease turned the tide in their favour.
Thailand began their innings with caution, facing early setbacks that left them at 24/2 with the dismissals of Nattaya Boochatham for just 5 and Chanida Sutthiruang, who added only 7 runs. The innings found its footing thanks to Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who played an assured innings of 26 off 18 balls, striking four elegant boundaries.
Her brisk scoring paired well with Thailand’s standout batter, Natthakan Chantham, who anchored the innings beautifully with a fluent 39 off 36 deliveries. Chantham’s composed stroke play was vital for rebuilding after the initial shocks, allowing Thailand to keep the score ticking.
Despite losing captain Naruemol Chaiwai for a duck, the lower order contributed significantly. Suleeporn Laomi scraped together 6 runs, while Rosenanee Kanoh added 2. The total was bolstered by Phannita Maya, who remained unbeaten with a quickfire 26 from 21 balls. Thailand eventually posted a competitive total of 117/7 in their allotted 20 overs on a challenging surface.
The Netherlands responded with a balanced bowling effort, highlighted by Silver Siegers’ outstanding figures of 2 for 11 in her four overs. She effectively removed key batters and applied relentless pressure. Caroline de Lange also took two wickets, accounting for Koncharoenkai and Laomi. Contributions from Robine Rijke, Frederique Overdijk, and Isabel van der Woning added to the mix, ensuring Thailand had to work hard for their runs.
However, the Netherlands’ chase started disastrously, losing Sterre Kalis for just 1 run to Thipatcha Putthawong’s lbw decision. With Phebe Molkenboer soon to follow, the pressure mounted. A glimmer of hope surfaced when Babette de Leede played a spirited knock of 25 off 16 balls, hitting five boundaries. Unfortunately, her dismissal marked a turning point, and the Netherlands began to falter without substantial support.
Thailand tightened their grip after De Leede’s exit. Although Robine Rijke contributed a fighting 23 runs, her dismissal by Sunida Chaturongrattana heralded a collapse. Suleeporn Laomi emerged as a match-winning bowler, claiming 2 for 11 in her spell and ousting the experienced Frederique Overdijk and Myrthe van den Raad. Her pinpoint accuracy during pivotal moments stifled scoring opportunities and dismantled partnerships.
Complementing her efforts, Thipatcha Putthawong returned with remarkable figures of 2 for 12, taking out Kalis and the perilous Hannah Landheer. Onnicha Kamchomphu also made her mark late in the innings, claiming 2 wickets for 18 runs, cleaning up the tail. With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the Netherlands were ultimately bowled out for 94 in just 18.5 overs, falling short of the target.
Thailand’s impressive bowling performance, with Laomi, Putthawong, and Kamchomphu all standing out with figures of 2/11, 2/12, and 2/18, ensured a comfortable victory despite a modest batting total. Phannita Maya, Sunida, and Chanida also chipped in with a wicket each.
Suleeporn Laomi’s all-around impact, particularly her brilliant bowling, earned her the Player of the Match accolade. This victory not only highlights Thailand Women’s rising prowess on the international stage but also sets an optimistic tone for their campaign in the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025/26.
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