KEY POINTS
- Pakistan defended a modest total of 205
- Thailand were dismissed for 138
- Sidra and Fatima’s 97-run partnership proved pivotal
ISLAMABAD: Captain Fatima Sana delivered a standout performance as Pakistan women secured their place in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, overcoming Thailand by 67 runs in their fourth One-Day International (ODI) fixture of the qualifiers on Thursday.
Pakistan have now confirmed their participation in the World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year in India, thanks largely to another impressive showing from their bowlers. They successfully defended a modest total of 205, dismissing Thailand for just 138 to seal a convincing 67-run win.
Earlier in the day, Fatima led from the front with an unbeaten 62, supported ably by experienced batter Sidra Amin.
Sidra was Pakistan’s top scorer with a composed 80, as the home side posted 205 in the day-night match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The 97-run partnership between Sidra and Fatima proved pivotal after a shaky start left Pakistan struggling at 85 for 4 in 32 overs.
Pakistan’s batting issues
Pakistan’s batting issues persisted as they lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to accelerate early in the innings, despite electing to bat first. Thailand’s disciplined bowling, particularly from Phannita Maya, who dismissed debutant Shawaal Zulfiqar, kept Pakistan in check during the powerplay.
Shawaal, playing in place of the young Gull Feroza, fell trying to increase the scoring rate after Thailand’s accurate bowling restricted opportunities early on.
In-form batter Muneeba Ali was next to fall, giving away her wicket with a mistimed sweep off Onnicha Kamchomphu’s off-spin, resulting in a simple catch inside the circle.
Aliya Riaz, named Player of the Match in Pakistan’s previous victory over Scotland, was once again run out—this time following a mix-up with Sidra Amin, reminiscent of her earlier dismissal against the West Indies.
However, Sidra once again stepped up during a critical phase. The veteran right-hander notched her third half-century in four innings, anchoring the innings with a steady knock of 80 off 105 balls, featuring eight boundaries.
Poor fielding
Thailand, unfortunately, were poor in the field, dropping as many as six catches — including one of Fatima Sana — allowing Pakistan multiple lifelines.
Fatima capitalised on her reprieve, finishing with an unbeaten 62 from 59 deliveries, including five fours and a six, helping Pakistan breach the 200-run mark in the final over.
Thailand began their chase well, reaching 44 for 1 before Fatima struck, removing Nattaya Boochatham for 16 — a breakthrough that shifted momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
From there, wickets fell steadily as Thailand were undone by Pakistan’s trio of spinners — Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Rameen Shamim — who ensured the visitors never came close to the target.
Fatima also led the bowling unit with three wickets, alongside a fine showing from Rameen, as Pakistan’s bowlers once again proved their worth.
Clear favourites
Earlier, Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat on a pitch that played more consistently than the surface used in their previous match against the West Indies.
Pakistan entered the contest as clear favourites — unbeaten in their first three games and ranked significantly higher than Thailand.
Thailand, meanwhile, had come off a high-scoring loss to Ireland, where they fell short by 46 runs chasing a 306-run target.
This six-team ICC qualifying event — featuring Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, West Indies, and hosts Pakistan — is being held in Lahore at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground. The tournament follows a single round-robin format and will determine the two teams that qualify for the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
Although Pakistan are hosting the tournament, they will play their World Cup matches at a neutral venue. This arrangement follows the “hybrid” hosting model agreed upon after India declined to play in Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Teams:
Pakistan: Shawaal Zulfiqar, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (capt), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu.
Thailand: Nattaya Boochatham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Natthakan Chantham, Naruemol Chaiwai (capt), Phannita Maya, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Suwanan Khiaoto (wk), Suleeporn Laomi.
