As the cricketing world inches closer to the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2025, teams have started to get their preparations underway in the form of warm up matches. In Warm Up Match No. 2, Pakistan and Thailand are set to clash in Lahore.
While Pakistan will look to capitalize on home conditions and assert their dominance, Thailand, known for their disciplined approach, will aim to acclimatize to the away conditions and spring a surprise. With qualification dreams on the line, this match is set to offer an exciting glimpse into the strategies of the respective teams.
Squads:
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Muneeba Ali (VC), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Syeda Aroob Shah
Thailand Women’s Cricket Team
Naruemol Chaiwai (C), Nattaya Boochatham, Nattakan Chantam, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Chanida Sutthiruang, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenanee Kanoh, Suleeporn Laomi, Thipatcha Putthawong, Suwanan Khiaoto, Phannita Maya, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannaphat Chaihan, Chayanisa Phengpaen
Players to watch out:
Muneeba Ali
Pakistan’s vice-captain Muneeba Ali provides solidity and experience to the top order with her calm batting. In 42 ODI matches, she has scored 966 runs at a strike rate of 61.84, with a career-high score of 107. As a consistent left-handed batter, her task will be vital in stabilizing Pakistan’s innings and giving good starts as they prepare for the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2025.
Fatima Sana
Home team captain and right-arm medium pacer Fatima Sana has been a key figure in Pakistan’s pace bowling attack. At just the age of 23, Sana has already made an impact in ODIs, claiming 51 wickets in 41 matches at an average of 31.15 and an economy of 5.57. With her ability to generate lateral movement and deliver crucial wickets, she will be a vital asset for Pakistan in the lead-up to the qualifying tournament.
Naruemol Chaiwai
Thailand skipper Naruemol Chaiwai has quickly established herself as a reliable batter since the team’s ODI debut in 2022. In just nine innings, she has amassed 244 runs at an impressive average of 40.66 and a strike rate of 65.24. Her ability to steady the innings and lead from the front makes her a key player in Thailand’s campaign for the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2025. As she continues to grow into her captaincy role, Chaiwai will be instrumental in guiding her team against formidable opponents.
Thipatcha Putthawong
Only 21 years old, Thipatcha Putthawong is cementing her name as one of the most promising talents in Thailand. Even with a nine-match miniature ODI career, the left-arm orthodox has scalped 15 wickets at an economy rate of 2.89 and posts the best figures of 6/6. During the recent Nepal Women’s T20 Tri-Series, Putthawong played an instrumental role in Thailand’s successful campaign to clinch the title.
Pitch:
The pitch at Lahore City Cricket Association is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball. While pacers are likely to get some movement early on, spinners could come into play as the match progresses with the surface assisting turn. In past encounters, totals ranging from 230 to 250 have proven to be challenging, and as the pitch wears down, stroke-making becomes increasingly difficult.
Weather:
It is going to be hot and humid in Lahore with negligible chances of precipitation. The temperature is expected to be around 34 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing at 10 km/hr and humidity at 29%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Muneeba Ali, Naruemol Chaiwai, Nattaya Boochatham, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Chanida Sutthiruang, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Fatima Sana, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu
Match details:
Date – April 5, 2025
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Lahore City Cricket Association, Lahore
Broadcast – Fans can catch the live action on ICC.TV
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