DUBAI, UAE: Left-handed opener Muneeba Ali produced a fighting half-century under pressure as Pakistan recovered from a disastrous start to post a competitive 120-run target for Thailand in their ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first in the eight-team continental tournament, the Green Shirts endured a nightmare beginning, losing right-handed opener Shawaal Zulfiqar (one) and top-order batter Gull Feroza (zero) inside two overs with just six runs on the board.
.@MuneebaAli17 top-scores with 54 as Pakistan post 119-9 in their 20 overs 🏏#PAKvTHA | #BackOurGirls | #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/rDe4XABMdA
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2026
The early jolts continued when Phannita Maya dismissed Ayesha Zafar (nine off eight deliveries) in the fifth over, leaving Pakistan reeling at 23/3 in 4.4 overs.
Muneeba-Sadaf stand rescues innings
With the scoreboard reading 23/3, Sadaf Shamas joined Muneeba in the middle, and the duo batted sensibly to launch Pakistan’s recovery. The pair put together a crucial 54-run partnership for the fourth wicket, steadying the innings and rebuilding the foundation.
.@MuneebaAli17 departs for a well-crafted 54, making her fourth T20I half-century 🏏#PAKvTHA | #AsiaCup | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/VP1xKRpXTE
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2026
Sadaf contributed a valuable 20 before falling victim to Suleeporn Laomi in the 13th over, which also marked the dismissal of Pakistan captain Fatima Sana for a duck. Muneeba then shared a 13-run partnership with Umm-e-Hani for the sixth wicket before eventually being dismissed by Laomi.
Muneeba’s valiant knock
The left-handed opener remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a valiant 54 off 52 deliveries, laced with four boundaries. Her innings was a masterclass in resilience, anchoring the innings during a phase when wickets tumbled at the other end.
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Lower order contributions
Pakistan lost three more wickets in the next as many overs, but handy contributions from Umm-e-Hani (17) and Tuba Hassan (12 not out) helped the Green Shirts finish at 119/9 in their 20 overs—a total that gives their bowlers something to defend.
Pakistan post 119/9 as Thailand need 120 runs to win! 🇵🇰🔥 Can Thailand chase it down in Match 5 of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup? 🏏#WomensAsiaCup #PakistanWomen #ThailandWomen #Cricket #WomensCricket pic.twitter.com/ZpelaHRLGC
— Female In Sports (@femalesports_in) September 1, 2026
Thailand’s bowling shines
Suleeporn Laomi spearheaded Thailand’s bowling charge with sensational figures of 3/14 in her four overs, while Thipatcha Putthawong also picked up three wickets but conceded four more runs in her quota. Right-arm seamer Maya bagged two wickets, while Sunida Chaturongrattana made one scalp.
