Pakistan thump Thailand to qualify for ICC Women’s World Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan continued their impressive run in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier with a commanding 87-run victory over Thailand here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday night.

The win, thanks to batting prowess of Sidra Amin and bowling guiles of Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sindhu and Fatima Sana, propels Pakistan to the top of the table with eight points from four consecutive victories, significantly boosting their prospects for the upcoming World Cup in India later this year.

After being put into bat, Pakistan posted a competitive 205/6 in their allotted 50 overs, led by stellar performances from opener Sidra Ameen (80) and captain Fatima Sana (62*). In reply, Thailand's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with the team being dismissed for just 118 runs in 34.4 overs.

Pakistan's innings began cautiously, managing just 26 runs for the loss of one wicket in the mandatory powerplay. By the first drinks break, they had crawled to 45/2 in 17 overs, with Sidra Ameen steadily building her innings alongside Aliya Riaz.

The middle phase saw Pakistan lose two more wickets, reaching 98/4 by the 34th over. However, it was the fifth-wicket partnership between Sidra Ameen and captain Fatima Sana that changed the complexion of the innings. The duo added a brisk 50 runs in just 57 balls, injecting much-needed momentum.

Sidra Ameen's patient knock of 80 off 105 balls, including six boundaries, provided the backbone of the innings. Captain Fatima Sana complemented her perfectly with an aggressive unbeaten 62 off 59 deliveries, featuring five fours and a six.

Other contributions came from Muneeba Ali (18), Sidra Nawaz (11), and Diana Baig, who provided a late flourish with 10 not out from just six balls. For Thailand, Thipatcha Putthawong was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/37, while Onnicha Kamchomphu and Phannita Maya claimed one wicket each.

Chasing 206 for victory, Thailand got off to a reasonable start, scoring 44 runs in the first powerplay but lost two early wickets in the process. Despite reaching 58/3 by the 15-over mark, they struggled to build substantial partnerships against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack.

The introduction of Pakistan's spinners proved decisive as Thailand's middle order collapsed. By the time they reached the 100-run mark in the 30th over, Thailand had already lost seven wickets, effectively ending their chances of victory.

Thailand's top scorer was Thipatcha Putthawong with 24 runs, while Nattaya Boochatham (16), Suwanan Khiaoto (15), Natthakan Chantham (13), and captain Naruemol Chaiwai (12) made brief starts but failed to convert them into significant contributions.

Pakistan's bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, with the spoils evenly shared. Rameen Shamim, Fatima Sana, and Nashra Sandhu each claimed three wickets, while Sidra Iqbal chipped in with one.

Captain Fatima Sana led from the front with figures of 3/39, proving her all-round capabilities after her half-century with the bat. Rameen Shamim was particularly economical, returning impressive figures of 3/18, while Nashra Sandhu's 3/19 helped dismantle Thailand's middle and lower order.

With this comprehensive victory, Pakistan not only maintains its unbeaten streak in the tournament but also strengthens its position as a strong contender for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup later this year.