Thailand’s women’s cricket team justified their captain Naruemol Chaiwai’s decision to field first with an outstanding bowling performance that dismantled Uganda’s batting lineup at the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi. Despite an initial 17-run partnership, Uganda quickly crumbled, getting all out for just 62 runs in 17.4 overs.
Only three Ugandan batters managed to reach double figures: Rita Musamali with 24 runs, captain Janet Mbabazi with 14, and opener Prosscovia Alako with 10, as Thailand’s bowlers consistently made breakthroughs.
All-rounder Nattaya Boochatham, opening the attack alongside Chanida Sutthiruang, claimed two wickets for just eight runs in 2.4 overs with her skillful off-spin bowling. Sutthiruang, the pacer, was equally effective, taking two wickets for 10 runs in her four overs.
Left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong added to Uganda’s misery with two wickets of her own, maintaining Thailand’s dominance over the opposition’s batting lineup.
Thailand chased down the target with consummate ease. Seasoned batter, Natthakan Chantham, played some delightful shots in her unbeaten 34 off 43 balls (five fours) to earn the Player of the Match award. She shared a 30-run opening stand with Boochatham (12) and an unbeaten, 34-run partnership with Nannapat Koncharoenkai, as the victory was achieved with 51 balls to spare.
Thailand have now won one and lost one match while Uganda have lost two out of their three matches, their only win was against USA on Saturday. Sri Lanka are at the top of Group A, with Scotland in second place, both teams have won two matches so far.
Scores in brief:
Thailand beat Uganda by nine wickets
Uganda 62 all out, 17.4 overs (Rita Musamali 24, Janet Mbabazi 14; Thipatcha Putthawong 2-7, Nattaya Boochatham 2-8, Chanida Sutthiruang 2-10)
Thailand 64 for 1, 11.3 overs (Natthakan Chantham 34 not out, Nattaya Boochatham 15, Nannapat Koncharoenkai 12 not out; Sarah Akiteng 1-18)
Player of the Match – Natthakan Chantham
