DUBAI: Muneeba Ali’s fighting half-century and a disciplined bowling performance helped Pakistan beat Thailand by 35 runs in the fifth match of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a modest target of 120, Thailand struggled against Pakistan’s bowling attack and managed 84/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chanida Sutthiruang was Thailand’s top scorer with 25 off 24 balls, while captain Naruemol Chaiwai scored 17. Natthakan Chantham and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi contributed 14 and 13 runs respectively, but Thailand never looked in control of the chase.
Sadia Iqbal led Pakistan’s bowling attack with an impressive spell of 3-11 in four overs. Tuba Hassan claimed two wickets, while Nashra Sandhu and captain Fatima Sana took one wicket each.
The victory lifted Pakistan to second place in Group A of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026. India remain at the top because of a superior net run rate.
Thailand slipped to third place after suffering their second defeat of the tournament.
Pakistan struggle before Muneeba Ali rescues innings
Pakistan opted to bat first but endured an early setback, losing Shawaal Zulfiqar for one and Gull Feroza for a duck inside the opening two overs.
Ayesha Zafar was dismissed for nine in the fifth over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 23-3.
Muneeba Ali then joined Sadaf Shamas at the crease and helped rebuild the innings. The pair added 54 runs for the fourth wicket before Sadaf was dismissed for 20 in the 13th over.
Captain Fatima Sana fell for a duck in the same over, putting further pressure on Pakistan.
Pakistan being their ACC Women’s #AsiaCup campaign with a 35-run victory over Thailand 👏#BackOurGirls | #PAKvTHA pic.twitter.com/reU6qYhdV2
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2026
Muneeba continued to hold the innings together and added 13 runs with Umm-e-Hani before being dismissed by Laomi for a crucial 54 off 52 balls. Her innings included four boundaries.
Pakistan lost three more wickets but late contributions from Umm-e-Hani, who scored 17, and Tuba Hassan, who remained unbeaten on 12, helped the team finish on 119-9.
Thailand’s Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong took three wickets each, while Phannita Maya claimed two.
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Pakistan face India next
Pakistan’s victory sets up another highly anticipated group-stage clash against arch-rivals India.
Pakistan will face India on September 5 in their second group game of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026.
With both teams competing near the top of Group A, the match could have a major impact on the tournament’s standings and qualification race.
