Pakistan Women began their ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign against Thailand on Tuesday, September 1, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with Fatima Sana’s side posting 119 for nine in 20 overs after electing to bat first.
Muneeba Ali Anchors Pakistan Innings
Pakistan suffered an early setback, losing Shawaal Zulfiqar and Gull Feroza with only six runs on the board.
Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali steadied the innings and emerged as Pakistan’s top scorer, making 54 off 52 deliveries, including four boundaries.
Ayesha Zafar contributed nine runs, while Sadaf Shamas added 20 as Pakistan attempted to rebuild after the early wickets.
Thailand Bowlers Keep Pakistan Under Pressure
Thailand’s bowling attack kept Pakistan under pressure throughout the innings.
Thipatcha Putthawong claimed three wickets for 18 runs in four overs, while Suleeporn Laomi also picked up three wickets and conceded only 14 runs.
Phannita Maya finished with two wickets as Pakistan continued losing wickets at regular intervals.
Late contributions from Umm-e-Hani (17) and Tuba Hassan (12 not out) helped Pakistan reach 119/9.
Thailand Set 120-Run Target
Thailand were set a target of 120 runs to register their second victory of the tournament.
They entered the match having already played two Group A matches — defeating Hong Kong, China by six runs before suffering a heavy defeat against India.
Pakistan, meanwhile, are playing their first match of the 2026 Asia Cup.
Fatima Sana Leads Pakistan
Pakistan are being captained by Fatima Sana, who returned to lead the national side for the continental tournament.
The squad includes Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Tuba Hassan, Sadaf Shamas and several other experienced and emerging players.
Pakistan prepared for the tournament with a 10-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy before arriving in the UAE.
India-Pakistan Clash Next in Focus
Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Thailand and Hong Kong, China.
After the Thailand encounter, Pakistan will face arch-rivals India on September 5, before completing their group-stage campaign against Hong Kong, China on September 7.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for September 10 and 11, with the final set for September 13.
Pakistan have never won the Women’s Asia Cup, with their best performances coming as runners-up in 2012 and 2016.
source – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Supreme News Network
