In the 7th game of the tournament, Sri Lanka, the host team, secured a remarkable 144-run win over Malaysia. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s exceptional third T20I century played a pivotal role in their dominant performance. Bangladesh, led by captain Nigar Sultana Joty, was all set to take on Thailand, captained by Thipatcha Putthawong, in the 8th match of the series. Thailand won the toss and chose to bat first. The opening pair of Thailand, Nattaya Boochatham and Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, cautiously started the innings with a 26-run partnership, scoring at a rate of over four runs per over.
The 19-year-old leg-spinner, Rabeya Khan, made an impact by taking two wickets in the 7th over, disrupting Thailand’s progress. Phannita Maya then partnered with Nattaya Boochatham, adding 12 runs for the 3rd wicket. Ritu Moni dismissed Phannita Maya to grab the 3rd breakthrough for Bangladesh.
Chanida Sutthiruang partnered with Nattaya Boochatham next, and together they accumulated a crucial 14-run stand for the 4th wicket, crossing the 50-run mark for Thailand. Ritu Moni sent Chanida Sutthiruang back to the pavilion, claiming her second wicket. Subsequently, Suwanan Khiaoto followed suit, providing the 5th breakthrough for Bangladesh.
With Suleeporn Laomi joining Nattaya Boochatham, they managed to build a 21-run partnership for the 6th wicket, bringing Thailand closer to the 100-run milestone. Rabeya Khan returned to dismiss Nattaya Boochatham, securing the 6th wicket for her team.
Thailand concluded their innings at 96/9. Nattaya Boochatham (40 off 41 balls), Suleeporn Laomi (17 off 13 balls), and Rosenan Kanoh (13 off 9 balls) were the standout performers for Thailand with the bat. Leading the bowling attack for Bangladesh were Rabeya Khan (4-0-14-4), Nahida Akter (4-1-14-0), Sabikun Nahar Jesmin (4-0-28-2), and Ritu Moni (2-0-10-2).
In pursuit of 97 runs, the Bangladesh openers, Dilara Akter and Murshida Khatun, provided a solid start with a 24-run partnership. They maintained a steady run rate of about five runs per over. Thailand claimed the first breakthrough by dismissing Dilhara Akter, who fell short of her crease. Ishma Tanjim partnered with Murshida Khatun, and together they almost sealed the chase with a significant 60-run partnership for the 2nd wicket.
Captain Thipatcha Putthawong took the wicket of Ishma Tanjim, earning the second breakthrough for Thailand. Soon after, Murshida Khatun departed after completing a well-deserved half-century. Rumana Ahmed then joined Ritu Moni, guiding Bangladesh over the finish line with an unbeaten 14-run partnership for the 4th wicket. Bangladesh clinched the victory with seven wickets in hand and 15 balls remaining.
Murshida Khatun (50 off 55 balls), Dilara Akter (17 off 11 balls), and Ishma Tanjim (16 off 22 balls) stood out with the bat for Bangladesh. Thailand’s bowling stars were Thipatcha Putthawong (4-0-18-1), Chanida Sutthiruang (3-0-9-0), and Phannita Maya (1.3-0-8-1).
The young leg-spinner, Rabeya Khan, received the Player of the Match title for her decisive bowling performance, finishing with figures of 4-0-14-4.
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