In a thrilling contest at Dambulla during the Women’s Asia Cup, Thailand Women secured a 22-run victory over Malaysia Women, thanks to a standout performance by Nannapat Koncharoenkai. Thailand posted a competitive total of 133/6 in their 20 overs, which Malaysia failed to chase, ending at 111/8.
Batting first, Thailand had a mixed start. Nattaya Boochatham gave an aggressive opening with 18 runs off just 10 balls, but her dismissal followed quickly by Nannaphat Chaihan’s wicket put the team under early pressure. Koncharoenkai then stabilized the innings with a crucial 40 off 35 balls, hitting six boundaries and anchoring the middle order.
Her innings, coupled with Phannita Maya’s 29 off 28 balls, provided a solid foundation. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Thailand managed to post a respectable total. Mahirah Izzati Ismail was the pick of the Malaysian bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs.
Malaysia’s chase began with a steady partnership between captain Winifred Duraisingam and Wan Julia. Duraisingam scored 22 off 28 balls, setting a cautious tone. Wan Julia anchored the innings with a well-crafted 52 off 53 balls, but the lack of support from other batters hindered their chase.
Elsa Hunter contributed a brief 9-run cameo, but after her dismissal, Malaysia’s batting faltered. Key dismissals, including Mahirah Izzati Ismail and Ainna Hamizah Hashim, came at crucial junctures, disrupting the momentum. Thailand’s bowlers, led by Onnicha Kamchomphu and Chanida Sutthiruang, who took 2 and 1 wickets respectively, applied consistent pressure.
Nannapat Koncharoenkai’s all-around impact earned her the Player of the Match award. Her vital 40-run innings and sharp wicket-keeping, including a key stumping, were instrumental in Thailand’s victory.
Thailand’s disciplined bowling and strategic field placements ensured that Malaysia couldn’t build substantial partnerships. The match flow shifted decisively after the 11th over, when Duraisingam’s wicket triggered a collapse. Despite a valiant effort by Wan Julia, the increasing required run rate proved too steep for Malaysia. Nattaya Boochatham and Onnicha Kamchomphu were particularly effective, containing runs and taking timely wickets.
