Thailand Women held their nerve in a dramatic finish to defeat Zimbabwe Women by just one run in a Group B encounter of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers on 20th January 2026. Thailand’s composure in key moments ultimately proved decisive after Zimbabwe fell agonisingly short of a modest target.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to field first, backing their bowlers to restrict Thailand on a surface that looked slightly slow but playable. Thailand’s innings got off to a shaky start as Aphisara Suwanchonrathi was dismissed for a duck early, setting the tone for a cautious powerplay. However, Natthakan Chantham steadied the innings with a brisk 26 off 22 balls, striking a couple of boundaries to ease early pressure.
The backbone of Thailand’s total was provided by Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who played a responsible and well-paced knock of 54 off 52 balls. Her innings, built on placement and smart running between the wickets, ensured Thailand did not lose momentum despite wickets falling at regular intervals.
Captain Naruemol Chaiwai contributed 13, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept chipping away, bowling attack led by Adel Zimunu and Audrey Mazvishaya, who picked up two wickets each and maintained tight lines in the middle overs.
Thailand struggled to accelerate at the death, losing wickets in quick succession, and could only manage 115 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. It was a total that felt competitive but far from commanding.
Zimbabwe’s chase began with intent, but soon mirrored Thailand’s stop start innings. Captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano contributed 19 before being run out, while Modester Mupachikwa top scored with 36 off 49 balls, anchoring the chase through the overs. Kelis Ndlovu added crucial momentum with a fluent 28 off 25, keeping Zimbabwe firmly in the hunt as the equation narrowed.
Thailand’s bowlers showed admirable discipline, particularly Sunida Chaturongrattana, who conceded just 11 runs in four overs and picked up a vital wicket. Thipatcha Putthawong also played a key role, claiming two wickets and providing important breakthroughs that shook Zimbabwe’s momentum at critical stages.
As the match entered the final over the tension was palpable as Thailand defended desperately. A mix of tight bowling, sharp fielding, and immense pressure resulted in Thailand managing to stop Zimbabwe finishing on 114 for 6, heartbreakingly short of the target.
Thailand’s narrow victory was a testament to their resilience and game awareness under pressure. In contrast, Zimbabwe will rue missed opportunities in the chase, but the quality of the contest underlined the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket.
For Thailand, this thrilling one run win could prove pivotal in their Group B campaign, while Zimbabwe will look to bounce back stronger from a match that slipped away in the final moments.
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