In a gripping encounter at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, Thailand’s women’s cricket team outclassed Tanzania’s women by 51 runs in the 13th match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy. The host nation showcased a blend of cautious yet purposeful batting alongside aggressive bowling, effectively thwarting Tanzania’s chase and demonstrating their maturity under pressure.
The match kicked off with Tanzania winning the toss and opting to field first. Thailand’s batters capitalized on this decision, crafting a defendable total. Nattaya Boochatham and Chanida Sutthiruang opened the innings steadily, securing a 20-run partnership before Boochatham was dismissed for 13 runs off 13 balls. Sutthiruang contributed 14 runs from 20 balls, playing a key role in stabilizing the innings before a significant momentum shift took place.
Following Boochatham’s wicket, wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai stepped in, anchoring the innings with a composed 28 runs off 40 balls. Her steady presence provided much-needed stability when Thailand appeared to be faltering early on. Natthakan Chantham added a spark of aggression during the middle overs, scoring 27 runs off 31 balls, including four well-timed boundaries to keep the scoring rate alive.
The duo formed a crucial partnership of 55 runs, laying the groundwork for Thailand’s total. As the innings neared its close, Suwanan Khiaoto accelerated the scoring with a brisk 17 runs off just 12 balls, featuring two boundaries. Phannita Maya contributed with an unbeaten 3 runs off a single delivery, helping Thailand finish at a respectable 110 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Extras contributed just 6 runs, with 4 of those being wides, but the solid partnerships throughout the innings were pivotal.
For Tanzania, Nasra Saidi and Sheila Kizito shone with the ball, each claiming two wickets. Saidi had impressive figures of 2 wickets for 24 runs across her 4 overs, while Kizito recorded 2 wickets for 18 runs. Meanwhile, Sophia Jerome maintained a tight economy rate of 4.50, making it tough for the batters.
Chasing a target of 111, Tanzania’s response faltered almost immediately. Saum Mtae could only manage 7 runs off 13 balls before falling victim to a run-out. Fatuma Kibasu followed suit, departing for a mere 1 run due to another run-out, leaving Tanzania in a precarious position at 8 for 2. Captain Neema Pius attempted to steady the ship but managed just 2 runs off 4 balls before being dismissed by Thipatcha Putthawong and Nasra Mohamedi’s golden duck brought the score to a worrying 16 for 4.
Even though Hudaa Omary hinted at resistance with 9 runs off 15 balls, she too was dismissed by Sunida Chaturongrattana, who was proving to be a challenge for the batting order. Nasra Saidi showed some resilience, holding the batting together with 15 runs from 30 balls before being bowled by Onnicha Kamchomphu. The lower order barely made an impact, with Saumu Hussein managing just 3 runs and Sheila Kizito being run out for 4. The innings wrapped up for a dismal 59 runs in 19 overs, showcasing the fragile nature of their chase.
Thailand’s bowling attack was clinical, with Sunida Chaturongrattana emerging as the match-winner after delivering an outstanding spell of 4 overs, including 2 maidens, 4 runs, and 3 wickets. Her accuracy proved crucial in dismantling the Tanzanian middle and lower order. Thipatcha Putthawong complemented her effort, taking 2 wickets for only 5 runs in her 4-over spell, including the vital wickets of captain Pius and Mohamedi, effectively halting any budding partnerships.
Suleeporn Laomi also contributed, claiming the wicket of Jenipher Kimaro for figures of 1 for 13 in 4 overs. Meanwhile, Onnicha Kamchomphu took a wicket as well but conceded 16 runs in her 3 overs. Chanida Sutthiruang bowled one final over, ending wicketless but conceding 8 runs.
The turning points were evident. Thailand’s pivotal innings-building partnerships, particularly between Koncharoenkai and Chantham, laid the foundation for a defendable total while providing psychological relief during tense moments. Khiaoto’s late burst in the death overs added extra momentum. Conversely, Tanzania’s chase started with two early runouts, leaving them unable to regroup. Thailand’s tightly knit bowling from Chaturongrattana and Putthawong ensured that any potential comeback was quickly snuffed out.
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