Muneeba Ali’s half-century and a disciplined bowling performance helped Pakistan defeat Thailand by 35 runs in the fifth match of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026.
Pakistan posted 119 for nine after being asked to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Thailand struggled during the chase and finished at 84 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, suffering their second defeat of the tournament.
The victory moved Pakistan to second place in Group A, behind India on net run rate.
Muneeba Ali Anchors Pakistan’s Innings
Pakistan endured a difficult start after losing Shawaal Zulfiqar for one and Gull Feroza for a duck inside the opening two overs.
Ayesha Zafar was then dismissed for nine in the fifth over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 23 for three.
Muneeba Ali and Sadaf Shamas responded with a crucial 54-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Sadaf scored 20 before being dismissed in the 13th over. Captain Fatima Sana also departed for a duck in the same over.
Muneeba continued to hold the innings together and added 13 runs with Umm-e-Hani before Laomi eventually dismissed her.
She scored a valuable 54 from 52 deliveries, including four boundaries.
Pakistan lost three more wickets before the innings ended, but Umm-e-Hani’s 17 and Tuba Hassan’s unbeaten 12 helped Pakistan reach 119 for nine.
Thailand’s Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong claimed three wickets each, while Phannita Maya took two.
Pakistan Bowlers Restrict Thailand to 84
Thailand needed 120 runs for victory but struggled to build partnerships against Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Chanida Sutthiruang was Thailand’s highest scorer. She made 25 from 24 balls.
Captain Naruemol Chaiwai contributed 17, while Natthakan Chantham scored 14 and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi made 13.
However, regular wickets prevented Thailand from building enough momentum.
Sadia Iqbal led Pakistan’s bowling effort with an impressive four-over spell of three wickets for just 11 runs.
Tuba Hassan claimed two wickets, while Nashra Sandhu and captain Fatima Sana took one wicket each.
Thailand eventually finished on 84 for eight after 20 overs, giving Pakistan a 35-run victory.
Pakistan to Face India on September 5
The result lifted Pakistan into second place in Group A of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026.
India remain ahead of Pakistan because of a superior net run rate.
Thailand have dropped to third place after collecting two points from three group matches.
Pakistan’s next group-stage challenge will be against arch-rivals India on September 5.
