What a comeback for Thailand as they kick off their Asia Cup campaign with a 22-run win in Dambulla. Malaysia was cruising at 83 for 1, on the brink of their first win over Thailand in T20s. But despite some sloppy fielding, Kamchomphu and the bowlers turned the game around, causing Malaysia to lose seven wickets for just 24 runs.

Putthawong made history as the youngest captain to win a match in the Asia Cup. Julia scored a fifty and held on, but got no support from the other end. Hunter’s wicket in the 13th over was the turning point.

Thailand’s innings

Powerplay: positive start despite early wickets

Nattaya Boochatham’s three boundaries off Ainna Hamizah Hashim set the tone for Thailand. Despite losing their openers, Nannaphat Chaihan and Boochatham, early, Thailand remained aggressive in the first six overs. Nannapat Koncharoenkai and Phannita Maya’s boundaries helped Thailand reach 41/2 after five overs.

Middle overs: Ismail’s key strikes

Mahirah Izzati Ismail’s spell was crucial for Malaysia, as she took key wickets and kept the scoring in check. Koncharoenkai and Maya hit boundaries, but Ismail dismissed both Koncharoenkai and Chanida Sutthiruang, leaving Thailand at 95/5 in the 14th over.

Death overs: Thailand post a defendable total

With limited batting resources left, Thailand managed to reach a challenging total. Suwanan Khiaoto and Rosenan Kanoh took singles and twos regularly, with Kanoh hitting a crucial boundary, helping Thailand finish with over 130 runs.

Malaysia’s innings

Powerplay: steady start by openers

Wan Julia hit three boundaries in the first three overs, while Winifred Duraisingam also added a four. Although the start was watchful, Malaysia managed to keep up a decent run rate, reaching 36/0 in six overs.

Middle overs: pressure from Thailand

Malaysia’s openers rotated the strike but slowed down the scoring, allowing Thailand to apply pressure. After reaching 68, Duraisingam was bowled by Onnicha Kamchomphu, and Malaysia lost quick wickets. Despite a few boundaries, they needed 43 runs in the last five overs.

Death overs: wickets halt Malaysia’s chase

With a high required run rate, Malaysia succumbed to the pressure. Hashim’s run out and Julia’s dismissal after her fifty made it worse for Malaysia, as they kept losing wickets and ended up far from the target.

Player of the match (Nannapat Koncharoenkai):

“Very happy with the win. It was the first time the new captain was on board, First game is always exciting but there was also some anxiety, that’s why we saw some sloppy fielding. We have been pratcising for tough situations like today. “

Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 points table