Pakistan beat Thailand by 35 runs in Women's Asia Cup 2026 opener

Pakistan secured a 35-run victory over Thailand in their opening match of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium on September 1, 2026. The win provides a significant morale boost for the Pakistani side ahead of their highly anticipated group stage encounter with India scheduled for September 5. After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana elected to bat first but her team faced an early collapse. Left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong struck twice in her first over, dismissing Shawaal Zulfiqar and Gull Feroza to leave Pakistan struggling at 7 for 2. With these wickets, Putthawong surpassed India's Deepti Sharma to become the leading wicket-taker in women's Twenty20 Internationals, according to the International Cricket Council. Phannita Maya then removed Ayesha Zafar, reducing Pakistan to 23 for 3. A recovery was led by Muneeba Ali and Sadaf Shamas, who steadied the innings to reach 60 for 3 at the halfway point. Thailand's Suleeporn Laomi later disrupted Pakistan's progress, taking two wickets in the 13th over to dismiss Shamas for 20 and captain Sana for a duck.