In an exciting encounter during the 12th match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 at Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand showcased remarkable skill to defeat Namibia Women by 27 runs. Thailand’s solid performance with both bat and ball was instrumental, while Namibia fought valiantly but ultimately fell short of the target.
Namibia won the toss and decided to bowl first, a choice that would challenge their ability to manage Thailand’s batting order. The Thai innings commenced on a tricky note, with openers Chanida Sutthiruang and Nattaya Boochatham falling for ducks early on, Sutthiruang in the second over and Boochatham soon after. Suddenly, Thailand found themselves in a precarious position at 0-2. However, the middle order stepped up to the challenge.
Despite Nannapat Koncharoenkai dismissal for 5, the true standout performance came from captain Natthakan Chantam, who remained unbeaten on 58 runs off 56 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. Her steady play was key in helping Thailand recover from those early setbacks. Suwanan Khiaoto provided valuable support with a quick 16 off 16 balls, hitting 2 fours, and Phannita Maya added a brisk contribution of 13 off 9 towards the end. With extras accounting for 12 runs, mostly from wides, Thailand finished their innings at a respectable 115 for 6 after 20 overs, setting a solid foundation for the match.
On the bowling side for Namibia, there were glimpses of skill. Naomi Benjamin led their attack with 2 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs, while Eveleen Kejarukua picked up 1 for 14 in her 4 overs, and Wilka Mwatile took 1 for 9. However, the early dismissals of Thailand’s openers proved costly, and the batting depth of Thailand ensured they could not capitalise further.
Namibia started their chase with optimism. Captain Sune Wittmann scored 8 off 5 balls, with two quick boundaries, before falling early, and Kayleen Green added 22 off 31. Their partnership offered a brief glimmer of hope, but as the wickets fell, Namibia struggled to establish any significant partnerships.
As the innings progressed, Namibia attempted to find their footing, but the pressure of the required run rate, coupled with regular wicket losses, became overwhelming. A middle-order partnership of 27 runs from Yasmeen Khan (27 off 34) and Green provided some optimism, but thanks to Thailand’s disciplined fielding and smart bowling strategies, the momentum shifted back in Thailand’s favour. Namibia quickly lost their 7th and 8th wickets and were restricted to 88 in 20 overs, well short of the target, handing Thailand a 27-run victory.
The Thai bowlers were exceptional, maintaining tight lines throughout. Thipatcha Putthawong stood out with impressive figures of 1 wicket for just 12 runs in 4 overs. Onnicha Kamchomphu took 2 wickets for 15 runs in 3 overs, while Sunida Chaturongrattana was the most effective, capturing 3 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs. Together, they kept Namibia’s run rate under control and applied consistent pressure, preventing any chances of a comeback.
It was Thailand’s well-rounded performance that made the difference. After a shaky start, they benefited from a captain’s innings supported by strong contributions from the lower order, along with a well-planned bowling strategy. Namibia will likely regret their early losses and their difficulty in forming sustainable partnerships.
Loves all things female cricket