Thailand maintained their spotless record over Malaysia in Twenty20 Internationals, however it was far from the ideal match. This victory marked the beginning of their Women’s Asia Cup 2024 campaign.
Thipatcha Putthawong, Thailand’s new teenage captain, was leading the team, although they were missing a few important batters because of injury. But after deciding to bat, they managed to score a formidable 133 for 6 owing to wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai’s 35-ball 40. They subsequently defeated Malaysia by 22 runs, even after they had shared a 68-run opening partnership.
In the field, Thailand had a forgettable day despite winning because they mishandled two catches and generally played a little carelessly.
Thailand’s aggressive tactics are effective.
Thailand developed an aggressive game and stacked their roster with strikemakers under former coach Harshal Pathak. Despite having a significantly altered roster, they played similarly in their debut Asia Cup match under new head coach Nitish Salekar. With Natthakan Chantham sidelined due to an ACL injury, regular starter Nattaya Boochatham established the early tone. With three fours in the first over, she got things going. On the second ball she faced, Putthawong, ranked fourth, likewise made a strike. Malaysian seamen were receiving a lot of swing at this time.
Suabika Manivannan was struck for two fours in three balls by Koncharoenkai, who also found the gaps often to maintain the tempo. Thailand smashed eight fours and scored 44 during the powerplay, despite losing two wickets during that time. Malaysia, on the other hand, finished their batting powerplay with just five fours and 36 for 0.
Even though off-spinner Mahirah Izzati Ismail was bowling with perfect rhythm, Koncharoenkai never allowed her resolve to waver. Phannita Maya, who also maintained the scorecard’s motion, seemed to share that confidence. Thailand’s score proved sufficient, thanks to Koncharoenkai and Maya’s 48-run partnership at the fourth wicket.
Middle overs are affected by Ismail.
Immediately following the powerplay, Ismail made her debut and made an instant impression by tricking Putthawong while in midair. Putthawong attempted a sweep, but the ball was stuck leg before wicket because it was too full.
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 just one boundary and finished with 3 for 16.
Malaysia, Duraisingam, and Julia all flatter to trick
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 exploited 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 ten overs, they reduced Malaysia to 59 for no loss.
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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. With the exception of their openers, nobody else scored in the double digits, and Thailand proved their bowling prowess by winning handily.
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