The sun-drenched grounds of Bangkok bore witness to a spirited Quadrangular Series in May 2025, as Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Kuwait brought their best to the field. Over four days, the tournament became more than just a contest for points, it was a showcase of ambition, resilience, and the growing promise of women’s cricket in Asia.
Thailand: Champions with Purpose
Led by the ever-composed Naruemol Chaiwai, Thailand emerged as the undisputed champions, sweeping aside every challenge with a blend of tactical acumen and unwavering self-belief. Chaiwai’s leadership was a masterclass in calm authority, rallying her side in pressure moments and extracting the best from her players. Thailand’s bowlers thrived in familiar conditions, suffocating opposition line-ups with disciplined spells, while the batters built partnerships with patience and flair.
The hosts’ unbeaten run was not just a testament to their skill, but also to a culture of unity and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Natthakan Chantham was the leading run-scorer for Thailand in the Quadrangular series with 60 runs in three innings at an average of 30 in three innings with the bat for her side. As far as the bowling department is concerned, Suleeporn Laomi was the leading wicket-taker of the series with 9 wickets at an average of 4.22 and an economy of 3.45 in three innings, including one four-wicket haul in the series.
United Arab Emirates: Grit and Growth Under Esha Oza
If Thailand were the polished performers, the UAE were the valiant challengers, never far from turning the tables. Under Esha Oza’s dynamic leadership, the UAE played with heart and tactical clarity, pushing the hosts to the brink in a thrilling final encounter, and was their only defeat in the series, finishing 2nd on the points table. Oza’s own performances set the tone, inspiring her teammates to rise to the occasion.
The UAE’s journey was marked by resilience-bouncing back from setbacks, holding their nerve in tight finishes, and displaying a hunger that promises much for the future. Their campaign was a statement: the gap is closing, and the UAE’s moment on the podium may not be far away.
The experienced left-arm spinner Michelle Botha led the bowling attack, ending as the leading wicket-taker for her side and the joint 2nd highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 6 wickets at an average of 4.50 and an economy of 2.70 in three innings with the ball alongside Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong. As far as the batting department is concerned, wicket-keeper batter Teertha Sathish was the leading run-scorer for her side and the tournament with 109 runs at an impressive average of 36.33 and a strike rate of 106.86 in three innings with the bat, including one half-century for her side in the series.
Hong Kong: Promise Amidst Inconsistency
For Hong Kong, the series was a tale of glimpses of what could be, and what still needs to be built. Natasha Miles led from the front, blending aggression with tactical nous, and her side responded with flashes of brilliance. Their victory over Kuwait was a highlight, a match where Hong Kong’s batting clicked and the bowlers’ executed plans with precision. Yet, inconsistency haunted their campaign, with lapses in the field and missed opportunities proving costly. They finished 3rd in the points table with two points.
Still, the promise is undeniable: a young team learning fast, and with the right nurturing, poised to become a formidable force in the region. Mariko Hill was the leading run-scorer for Hong Kong and the 4th highest run-scorer of the tournament with 75 runs at an average of 25 in three innings with the bat for her side in the tournament. As far as the bowling department is concerned, Alison Siu was the leading wicket-taker for her side and the 3rd highest wicket-taker of the series with four wickets at an average of 16 and an economy of 6.40 in three innings with the ball for her side in the series.
Kuwait: Searching for Silver Linings
Kuwait’s journey was the most challenging, as Amna Sharif Tariq’s side struggled to find rhythm against more seasoned opponents. Yet, even in defeat, there were moments to cherish, fiery spells with the new ball, courageous batting stands, and a never-say-die spirit that refused to be dimmed. They were unable to get their first win of the series.
For Kuwait, the series was a learning curve, a chance to test themselves against higher-ranked teams and identify the building blocks for future campaigns. Their resolve, even in adversity, won admirers and laid the foundation for growth. Priyada Murali was the leading wicket-taker for her side with 3 wickets at an average of 20 in two innings with the ball for her side in the series.
As far as the batting department is concerned, Maryam Omar, and Balasubramani Shanti were one of the biggest positives with the bat for Kuwait, scoring 100 runs at an average of 50 in three innings, including one unbeaten half-century and 76 runs at an average of 25.33 in three innings with the bat for her side, ending the series as the 2nd and 3rd highest run-scorers of the competition.
The Rise of Asian Women’s Cricket:
As the dust settles on the Quadrangular Series, one thing is clear: women’s cricket in Asia is on the cusp of a new era. The tournament was not just about crowning a champion, but about the shared journey of four nations, each striving to raise their game and inspire the next generation.
The intensity, skill, and sportsmanship on display in Bangkok signal a bright future-one where these teams will not only challenge each other, but also the world. The journey continues, and its best chapters are yet to be written.
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