Scotland Women produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat Thailand Women by five wickets in the 13th match of Group B at Kirtipur in the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 on January 24, chasing down the target with 32 balls to spare.
Thailand Women had a shaky start after being asked to bat first, losing Aphissara Suwanchonrathi for a duck in the very first over, caught off Kathryn Bryce’s bowling. The early blow was compounded when Natthakan Chantham struggled to find rhythm and was run out for just 1 off 7 balls, leaving Thailand wobbling at 5/2 inside three overs. The pressure mounted further as Nannapat Koncharoenkai fell for 9 off 27 balls, trapped by Abtaha Maqsood, with Thailand sliding to 26/3 in the eighth over.
Just when Thailand were staring at a collapse, captain Naruemol Chaiwai led a remarkable recovery. She played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with a superb 73* off 55 balls, striking nine boundaries and two sixes. Chaiwai found support in Chanida Sutthiruang, who contributed a valuable 22 off 27 balls, and together they stitched an 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilising the innings and lifting Thailand past 80. Suwanan Khiaoto added a late cameo of 1 before falling, while Onnicha Kamchomphu remained unbeaten on 2 as Thailand finished on 118/6 in 20 overs.
Scotland’s bowling attack was disciplined and shared the wickets effectively. Kathryn Bryce led the attack with figures of 1 for 11 in four overs, while Katherine Fraser impressed with 2 for 25, including the key wicket of Sutthiruang. Abtaha Maqsood picked up 1 for 17, and Olivia Bell was economical with 0 for 5 in two overs. Rachel Slater and Chloe Abel also bowled their full quotas, keeping Thailand in check with controlled lines and lengths.
In reply, Scotland Women began aggressively despite losing Darcey Carter early for 0, run out in the opening over. Kathryn Bryce added a brisk 8 off 4 balls before falling to Thipatcha Putthawong, but the momentum was firmly with Scotland. The match-defining partnership came between Katherine Fraser and Sarah Bryce, who put on 67 runs for the third wicket. Fraser struck a fluent 41 off 31 balls, peppering the boundary with seven fours, before being caught and bowled by Suleeporn Laomi.
Sarah Bryce then took complete control of the chase, producing a stunning unbeaten 52 off 35 balls, striking eight fours and a six at a strike rate of 148.57. Ailsa Lister chipped in with 10 off 8 balls, and Megan McColl added 6, while Priyanaz Chatterji finished the chase with a quick 5 off 2 deliveries as Scotland reached 124/5 in just 14.4 overs.
Thailand’s bowlers fought hard, with Suleeporn Laomi being the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 39 runs in 3.4 overs. Thipatcha Putthawong picked up 1 for 22, while Phannita Maya and Onnicha Kamchomphu bowled tight spells despite going wicketless.
Scotland’s dominant batting display and disciplined bowling effort ensured a comprehensive five-wicket victory, with Sarah Bryce rightly named Player of the Match for her match-winning unbeaten half-century. The result strengthened Scotland’s position in the group, while Thailand will take positives from Chaiwai’s fighting innings as they look ahead to their next fixture.
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