Thailand beat Hong Kong by six runs after a thrilling Asia Cup opener in Dubai.
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Can a team defend such a low score of just 120 runs in a T20 match? Well, Thailand women’s team did that, and they made it happen! They defeated Hong Kong Women by six runs in a thrilling opening match of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai.
Thailand seemed to be in control of the game at first, but then their batting order completely collapsed. On the other hand, Hong Kong women were chasing down the score, but Thailand batted with heart and soul to defend their total.
Chaiwai Helps Thailand To Set A Good Total
It was Thailand who won the toss and elected to bowl first. Their star player Naruemol Chaiwai scored 43 runs from 31 balls, which included four fours and two sixes. She, along with Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who remained unbeaten on 27 runs from 41 deliveries, helped set a good foundation for the Thailand innings.
However, the chase by Hong Kong was not an easy one.
At 16.5 overs, Thailand were at 100 for three, but then they just collapsed. They lost seven wickets for just 20 runs in the last 3.1 overs.
In the end, Thailand women managed to post a score of 120 for nine in 20 overs.
Some key numbers:
- Chaiwai scored 43 from 31 balls.
- Koncharoenkai added 27 runs.
- Lamplough took four wickets for only 11 runs.
- Thailand finished on 120 for nine.
For Hong Kong, Marina Lamplough was outstanding with the ball. Her 4/11 was a career-best T20I bowling performance.
Hong Kong Nearly Steal It
Hong Kong needed 121 to win, and they made a flying start.
Kary Chan made 28 from 20 balls, and Yasmin Daswani made 28 (after scoring 41 balls). Their runs saw Hong Kong stick to the target.
But Thailand’s spin attack turned the match.
Off-spinner Onnicha Kamchomphu took out Kary Chan, Yasmin Daswani and captain Maryam Bibi, scoring three wickets for 27 runs.
Hong Kong still had a sniff of victory, with 27 needed from the last three overs
But Thailand’s bowlers didn’t give away a boundary, and Hong Kong only scored 114 for seven, six runs short of victory.
The final over belonged to Thipatcha Putthawong. She had to defend 14 runs to dismiss Shanzeen Shahzad, but Thailand then completed a remarkable victory.
Putthawong Makes History
The final wicket was also special for Putthawong.
Before the Asia Cup began, the ICC released a list of women’s T20I wicket-takers with the most wickets in the list. Putthawong and India off-spinner Deepti Sharma each scored 168 wickets, and Putthawong’s dismissal of Shahzad put her at the top of the all-time wickets chart, according to match reports.
It made the final over even more special.
Why This Win Matters
Thailand’s victory is a reminder of the value of bowling. They didn’t score highly, but their bowlers continued to take wickets and stop Hong Kong from scoring boundaries at the end. Kamchomphu’s middle-over wickets and Putthawong’s final over were the difference.
It’s also a big confidence boost for Thailand. They have two crucial points from their first Group A match, while Hong Kong will now feel they have a good chance against bigger teams.
A Thrilling Start
Thailand have started their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling win. Chaiwai’s batting, Lamplough’s brilliant bowling, and Putthawong’s historic final over all provided fans with something to remember.
Hong Kong will be disappointed, but their fighting spirit will see them continue to challenge bigger teams.
What a start to the Asia Cup!
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