The Nepal Women’s T20I Tri-Series brings together the skills and talent of three nations: hosts Nepal, Thailand and the Netherlands. After five matches of the series, Thailand leads the standings, winning three out of three, followed by Netherlands who won two. Nepal hasn’t been able to open their account, losing all three matches played.
In the fifth match of the series, Thailand faced Netherlands at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur and defeated them by 17 runs. Netherlands, winning the toss elected to field first. They were successful in restricting Thailand to a low total, however, couldn’t get through the short chase.
Batting first, Thailand were bowled out for 86, just one ball shy of completing their 20 overs. While most batters got out on single digit scores, only Chanida Sutthiruang and Phannita Maya managed to reach double digits, scoring 27 and 12 respectively. Together, they had forged a 28-run partnership. Netherlands’ Iris Zwilling, Eva Lynch and Silver Siegers picked up a couple of wickets each while Isabel van der Woning chipped in one. Three of the Thailand batters fell victim to run-outs.
Netherlands’ pursuit of 87 runs ended in dismay, as they were restricted to 69 runs in 15.5 overs. The batting line-up struggled to find their rhythm with only the skipper Babette de Leede (25) managing to score above 20. Four of their batters were dismissed for ducks. Despite Leede’s and Zwilling’s partnership of 33, they couldn’t find support from others.
Thailand’s bowling unit was clinical in their execution, despite a low target on board. Thipatcha Putthawong and Onnicha Kamchomphu had three wicket hauls each, Chanida Sutthiruang picked up two scalps and Nattaya Boochatham claimed one.
Thailand’s Chanida was deservedly named the Player of the match for her all-round heroics. She was the highest run scorer from both sides and also claimed two wickets at an economy rate of 3.75 conceding just 15 runs in her four overs.
With this victory, Thailand finds themselves in a comfortable position, sitting at the top of the table with three matches remaining to further solidify their lead. Netherlands, however, are left with two matches.
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