While it wasn’t the ideal match, Thailand’s Women’s Asia Cup 2024 campaign got off to a strong start, maintaining their unbeaten record against Malaysia in Twenty20 Internationals.
Thailand, captained by a youthful, inexperienced skipper Thipatcha Putthawong, was missing a few important batters because to injury. They chose to bat instead, and owing to wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai’s 35-ball 40, they managed to score a formidable 133 for 6. And then they defeated them by 22 runs, even after a 68-run opening partnership by Malaysia.
Even though they prevailed, Thailand’s day in the field was forgettable since they mishandled two catches and generally played a little carelessly.
Thailand’s attacking ways pay off
Thailand developed an offensive approach under former coach Harshal Pathak, who stocked his squad with strikers. Even though the lineup was a little altered, they carried on in their first Asia Cup match under new head coach Nitish Salekar. Nattaya Boochatham, the other usual opener, set the tone early in Natthakan Chantham’s absence due to an ACL injury. In the first over, she started off strong with three fours. Putthawong, ranked fourth, also made a strike off the second ball she faced. At this time, Malaysian seamen were receiving a lot of abuse.
In order to maintain the momentum, Koncharoenkai consistently found the spaces, hitting two fours in three balls against Suabika Manivannan. Thailand managed to hit eight fours and score 44 during the powerplay period despite losing two wickets. Malaysia, in contrast, had a batting powerplay of just five fours and 36 for 0.
Even in situations where offspinner Mahirah Izzati Ismail was bowling with perfect rhythm, Koncharoenkai never wavered in her resolve. Phannita Maya, who likewise kept the scorecard going, seemed to have the same level of confidence. Thailand’s total, which turned out to be sufficient, was established by Koncharoenkai and Maya’s 48-run partnership through the fourth wicket.
Ismail impacts the middle overs
After the powerplay, Ismail was introduced, and she made an instant impression by tricking Putthawong while she was in the air. Putthawong attempted a sweep, but the ball was too full, resulting in a leg before wicket.
Ismail struck twice in three balls in her third over. Koncharoenkai was set by her, and she got him to mistime a cut to backward point. Chanida Sutthiruang subsequently grabbed the ball, chipping it straight to cover. Ismail held her own against Thailand’s devious tactics. In her four overs, she gave up only one boundary and finished with 3 for 16.
Julia, Duraisingam and Malaysia flatter to deceive
Before Saturday, Malaysia had lost all four T20I matches against Thailand. With Mas Elysa, one of the two hitters from Malaysia with a thousand or more runs in the format, out of the lineup, their hopes were pinned on veteran openers Wan Julia and skipper Winifred Duraisingam. They everyone contributed in some small way, creating a solid alliance.
Duraisingam skillfully used the crease to poke holes in the powerplay. Julia increased the usage of her strength by slashing and cutting. However, the two had to rely on sprinting between the wickets because the Thailand bowlers did not present many boundary opportunities. In 10 overs, they reduced Malaysia to 59 for no loss.
But in an attempt to counter offspinner Onnicha Kamchomphu, Duraisingam was dismissed in the twelfth over. Elsa Hunter also failed in her attempt to target legspinner Suleeporn Laomi in the next over. Malaysia were fighting a losing battle even after Julia mentioned her first T20I fifty, becoming the country’s first half-centurion in the Asia Cup.
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