Pakistan eye fourth straight win against Thailand in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier

 Pakistan eye fourth straight win against Thailand in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier

Asher Butt

The red-hot Pakistan women’s cricket team will look to extend their unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 when they take on Thailand today (Thursday) in the 12th match of the tournament at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

With three convincing wins under their belt, the hosts are brimming with confidence as they gear up to face Thailand — a side still searching for their first victory and sitting at the bottom of the points table.

This year’s Qualifier, featuring six teams, offers only two coveted spots for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup to be held in India later in 2025. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh are currently in commanding positions with six points each, and a victory today could all but seal Pakistan’s place in the showpiece event.

Pakistan’s formidable form

Pakistan have so far dominated the competition, brushing aside Ireland, Scotland, and West Indies with clinical performances. Led by dynamic captain Fatima Sana, the side has struck a strong balance between a dependable batting line-up and a potent bowling attack.

Opener Muneeba Ali has laid solid foundations at the top, while Sidra Amin has anchored innings with grace, including a composed 54-run knock off 94 balls in an earlier match. The middle-order is well supported by the experienced Aliya Riaz, known for her ability to shift gears when needed.

In the bowling department, Fatima Sana has led by example, picking up 3 for 16 in one of her standout performances. Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim have spun a web around opposition batters, making breakthroughs and keeping the scoring rate under control.

Key players to watch in today’s fixture include:

Fatima Sana – All-rounder and captain; sharp with the ball and handy with the bat.

Sidra Amin – Reliable top-order batter who holds innings together.

Aliya Riaz – Consistent middle-order player with aggressive strokeplay.

Thailand face a stiff challenge

Thailand, on the other hand, have endured a tough campaign with three straight losses. Their batting has lacked consistency, and they will need a much-improved performance to challenge the in-form hosts.

Captain Naruemol Chaiwai will be banking on batters like Suwanan Khiaoto, who impressed with a 59-run knock off 50 balls, to deliver against a disciplined Pakistan attack. Thailand’s bowling, led by Phannita Maya, has shown glimpses of potential, but wickets at crucial intervals will be key to containing Pakistan’s deep batting order.

Thailand’s players to watch:

Suwanan Khiaoto – Aggressive top-order batter capable of quick runs.

Phannita Maya – Economical bowler who needs to strike early.

Naruemol Chaiwai – Captain and vital middle-order contributor.

Pitch and weather conditions

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium has traditionally favoured batters, with an average first-innings score hovering around 235 in recent women’s ODIs. However, spinners are expected to play a key role as the match progresses.

Weather conditions in Lahore are expected to be ideal for cricket, with clear skies and warm sunshine throughout the day.

Qualification race tntensifies

As the tournament enters a decisive phase, Pakistan and Bangladesh lead the standings with three wins each. Both teams need just one more victory from their remaining two games to officially book their ticket to India. Meanwhile, Scotland and West Indies remain in contention but must rely on both wins and favorable net run rate shifts to stay alive.

Thailand and Ireland, with no realistic chance of qualification, now have the opportunity to play spoilers.

Today’s Fixtures:

🏏 Pakistan vs Thailand — Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

🏏 Bangladesh vs West Indies — LCCA Ground, Lahore

Bangladesh face West Indies in crucial tie

Elsewhere, Bangladesh will look to solidify their qualification hopes when they lock horns with West Indies at the LCCA Ground. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana has led from the front with 93 runs in three innings, while left-arm spinner Nahida Akhtar has been the standout bowler with an economy of under 4 and consistent breakthroughs.

West Indies, reeling from two losses in three games, will hope for standout performances from captain Hayley Matthews and pacer Aaliyah Alleyne, who claimed 4 for 24 in their earlier win over Ireland.

A win for Bangladesh today would virtually confirm their place in the World Cup, while a loss for West Indies could all but end their qualification hopes.

As the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 heats up, fans can expect thrilling encounters, do-or-die situations, and standout individual performances as the race to India enters its final stretch.