The local fans in Bangkok are in for a treat as Thailand kicks off their campaign on home soil against a familiar foe, Malaysia. Both teams have spent years battling it out for regional dominance in Southeast Asia, and that history adds a layer of spice to this opening Group B fixture. Thailand enters the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 with a point to prove, looking to use their home advantage to cement their status as the top associate nation in the region. Malaysia, meanwhile, arrives with a gritty reputation and a squad that has shown they can hang with the best when their bowling unit clicks.
Squads:
Thailand Women’s Cricket Team
Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Naruemol Chaiwai, Natthakan Chantham, Rosenan Kanoh, Chanida Sutthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Suwanan Khiaoto, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Phannita Maya, Suleeporn Laomi, Thipatcha Putthawong
Malaysia Women’s Cricket Team
Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa, Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Ainna Hashim, Amalin Sorfina, Mahirah Izzati, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Suabika, Aina Najwa, Wan Julia, Aisya Eleesa, Marsya, Nazwah, Nur Dania Syuhada
Players to watch out:
Natthakan Chantham
Natthakan remains the cornerstone of Thailand’s batting lineup, bringing a wealth of experience with over 80 T20I appearances. She’s currently in fine form, evidenced by her recent unbeaten 57 against Nepal and a massive 148 against Singapore just a few months ago. With a career strike rate nearing 97 and 2,486 total runs, her ability to anchor an innings while finding the boundary makes her the biggest threat to any bowling attack in this tournament.
Thipatcha Putthawong
Thipatcha is proving to be a genuine match-winner with her slow left-arm orthodox bowling, recently climbing to 32nd in the ICC rankings. She has been incredibly prolific, snatching 144 T20I wickets at a staggering average of just 9.24. Her recent 4-wicket haul against Nepal and a career-best 5/6 against Uganda highlight her knack for tearing through middle orders. While her primary role is with the ball, her economy rate of 4.12 ensures she keeps the pressure on from start to finish.
Mas Elysa
A dynamic all-rounder, Mas Elysa is a key figure for Malaysia, known for both her aggressive top-order batting and her deceptive leg-break googlies. She holds the remarkable distinction of a 6/3 bowling spell against China and has already accumulated 1,393 career runs. Her recent 67 against Myanmar shows she’s hitting her stride at the right time. Whether she’s stabilizing the top order or breaking a crucial partnership, her versatility remains Malaysia’s x-factor.
Mahirah Izzati Ismail
Mahirah provides essential balance to the Malaysian squad as a reliable off-break bowler and handy middle-order batter. She has a solid international record with 62 wickets to her name, including a brilliant 5/11 against Bahrain that showcased her wicket-taking ability. Her economy rate stays consistently low at 4.24, making her a very difficult bowler to score against in the powerplay.
Pitch:
The Terdthai Cricket Ground features a balanced turf wicket that offers consistent bounce early on but tends to slow down and grip as the game progresses, favoring spinners.
Weather:
The forecast for Bangkok is mostly sunny with high humidity of 55% and light winds from the south, making for a warm day of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Mas Elysa, Ainna Hashim, Mahirah Izzati, Wan Julia, Aisya Eleesa, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Natthakan Chantham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham, Onnicha Thipatcha Putthawong
Match Details:
Date – February 14, 2026
Time – 8:00 AM IST
Venue – Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Sony Liv and telecasted on Sony Sports.
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