Star batter Muneeba Ali remains optimistic about Pakistan’s prospects in the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, despite a challenging outing against Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Pakistan secured a 35-run win, successfully defending a total of 119/9 by restricting their opponents to 84/8.
Reflecting on the team’s batting performance, Muneeba noted that the side had initially targeted a score exceeding 140. However, early pressure forced a tactical shift. “We were obviously looking to score more than 140 today, but unfortunately the wickets kept falling, so we had to hold back a little,” she explained. “We missed a few shots in the end. If we can address those things, I think we can play good cricket against India.”
The innings began on a difficult note after Pakistan opted to bat first. The team slipped to 6/2 within two overs, losing Shawaal Zulfiqar for one and Gull Feroza for a duck. By the fifth over, the score had slumped to 23/3 following the dismissal of Ayesha Zafar for nine. A recovery effort led by Muneeba and Sadaf Shamas produced a 54-run partnership, though the momentum stalled when Shamas fell for 20 and captain Fatima Sana departed for a duck in the 13th over.
Muneeba eventually anchored the innings with a fighting 54 off 52 balls, featuring four boundaries, before being dismissed by Suleeporn Laomi. Late contributions from Umm-e-Hani, who added 17, and Tuba Hasan, who finished unbeaten on 12, helped push the total to 119/9. Thailand’s bowling attack was led by Suleeporn Laomi and Thipatcha Putthawong, who each claimed three wickets, while Phannita Maya chipped in with two.
In the second half of the match, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control, preventing Thailand from building any significant momentum. Sadia Iqbal delivered a standout performance, finishing with figures of 3/11 from her four-over spell. Tuba Hasan supported with two wickets, while Fatima Sana and Nashra Sandhu claimed one each. For Thailand, Chanida Sutthiruang top-scored with 25 runs, followed by Naruemol Chaiwai with 17, Natthakan Chantham with 14, and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi with 13.
The result leaves Pakistan in second place in Group A, trailing India on net run rate, while Thailand sits third with two points from three matches. Looking ahead to the crucial September 5 clash against India, Muneeba emphasized the need for better fielding standards. “We always try to make a perfect fielding unit in every match because that is what is demanded in the field,” she said. “There were a few lapses today, particularly with catches falling short. We will work on those areas and try to come back with new energy in the next game.” The report also notes that while captain Naruemol Chaiwai made 17, chanida Sutthiruang was Thailand’s top scorer with 25 off 24 balls. The report also notes that india-Pakistan clash puts handshake question in focus. The report also notes that uAE fans set for blockbuster India-Pakistan clash.