Pakistan advanced to the semi-finals of the Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition after defeating Thailand by three wickets in a rain-affected quarter-final at Korogi Sports Park on Thursday.
Persistent rain delayed the start of the match and the toss, with the contest eventually reduced to 11 overs per side.
After being asked to bat first, Thailand posted 91 for four in their allotted 11 overs, with wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scoring with a fighting 49 off 38 balls.
Koncharoenkai struck seven boundaries during her innings and anchored Thailand’s batting effort to help her side post a competitive total in the shortened contest.
Phannita Maya contributed 15 off 16 deliveries, while captain Naruemol Chaiwai provided a late flourish with 10 off just three balls, including a boundary and a six.
Natthakan Chantham scored six off five deliveries, while Chanida Sutthiruang remained unbeaten on three. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi added one run to the total.
For Pakistan, captain Fatima Sana led the bowling attack with two wickets for 22 runs from three overs, while left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu claimed one wicket.
Chasing 92, Pakistan reached the target in the final over after losing seven wickets.
Shawaal Zulfiqar played a key role in the successful chase, scoring 25 off 14 balls with three fours and a six.
Fatima Sana also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 21 off 13 deliveries, including three fours and a six.
Gull Feroza added 16 off 13 balls, while Tuba Hassan scored a brisk 13 off seven deliveries with one four and one six.
Umm-e-Hani scored the winning run to complete Pakistan’s three-wicket victory and secure the team’s place in the semi-finals.
