Thailand Women produced a clinical performance to overpower Malaysia Women by 99 runs in Match 3 of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, showcasing their growing depth and dominance with both bat and ball.
Being put to bat first, Thailand Women recovered strongly from an early top-order setback to post an imposing total of 169, a score that ultimately proved far beyond Malaysia’s reach. The innings began on an uncertain note as openers Natthakan Chantham and Arrikan Phuengkho were dismissed cheaply, leaving Thailand searching for stability in the powerplay.
That stability arrived in emphatic fashion through wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who once again underlined her reputation as one of Thailand’s most reliable batters. Koncharoenkai counter-attacked confidently, rotating the strike with ease before unleashing a series of well-timed boundaries. Her commanding 73-run knock, scored at a strike rate of 165, set the tone for a dominant middle overs phase.
At the other end, captain Naruemol Chaiwai played the perfect supporting role, bringing composure and clarity to the innings. Chaiwai’s 44 runs came through intelligent shot selection and sharp running between the wickets, allowing the partnership to flourish. Together, the pair stitched a crucial 113-run stand, completely swinging momentum Thailand’s way and putting Malaysia’s bowlers under sustained pressure.
The acceleration continued in the death overs as Chanida Sutthiruang provided a late flourish, smashing 25 runs off just 12 balls at a staggering strike rate of 208. Her quick-fire cameo ensured Thailand finished strongly and pushed the total well beyond the 160 mark. For Malaysia, Nur Arianna Natsya and Mahirah Izzati Ismail were the most effective bowlers, claiming two wickets each in an otherwise challenging outing.
Chasing 170 for victory, Malaysia Women never found their footing and suffered a dramatic batting collapse. Thailand’s bowlers struck early and consistently, dismantling the top order and applying relentless pressure. Openers Ainna Hamizah Hashim (3) and Wan Julia (1) were dismissed within the powerplay, setting the tone for a difficult chase.
The situation worsened as Malaysia lost their captain Mas Elysa for a duck, further denting any hopes of a recovery. With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, Malaysia struggled to build partnerships or rotate the strike, eventually folding for just 70 runs.
Only Nur Arianna Natsya showed brief resistance, top-scoring with 15 runs, as Thailand’s disciplined bowling attack proved too strong. The standout performer with the ball was Phannita Maya, who returned figures of three wickets, exploiting movement and accuracy to devastating effect. She received excellent support from Onnicha Kamchomphu, who chipped in with two wickets, ensuring Malaysia’s chase never gained momentum.
The emphatic 99-run victory not only boosted Thailand’s net run rate but also sent a strong message to the rest of the competition. With a dominant batting display followed by a ruthless bowling effort, Thailand Women reaffirmed their status as serious contenders in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026.
