The ICC Women’s T20 Asia Qualifier 2025 kicked off with an exciting clash between Thailand Women and Kuwait Women at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on May 9, 2025. As the tournament's opening match, both teams were eager to secure an early victory in their quest for qualification to the next year's Women’s T20 World Cup.
Thailand Women, led by captain Naruemol Chaiwai, won the toss and opted to field first, a strategic decision aimed at exploiting their strong bowling attack. The team entered the tournament with high expectations, having recently shown impressive form in international competitions.
"By choosing to field first, we aim to put pressure on Kuwait’s batting lineup and restrict their score," Chaiwai stated before the match. This approach reflects Thailand's confidence in their bowling unit, which includes key players like Chanida Sutthiruang and Nattaya Boochatham.
On the other side, Kuwait Women, captained by Amna Tariq, were determined to set a competitive total. They aimed to build steady partnerships and capitalize on any scoring opportunities, knowing that a strong performance would be crucial in this round-robin format tournament.
As the match commenced, the weather in Bangkok was favorable, with clear skies and a temperature hovering around 28°C. The pitch at Terdthai Cricket Ground was expected to be balanced, favoring spin bowlers, with an average first innings score of 118. Historically, the conditions have favored chasing teams, who have a winning percentage of 60% when batting second.
The predicted playing XI for Thailand included Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nannaphat Chaihan, and Chanida Sutthiruang, while Kuwait's lineup featured Maryyam Ashraf and Raelyn D’Souza, among others. Both teams have assembled strong squads, and an exciting contest was anticipated.
In the lead-up to the match, analysts highlighted Thailand Women as the favorites, given their recent form and historical performance against Kuwait. Thailand had won three out of their last four encounters, with one match resulting in no result.
"Thailand Women are one of the most exciting sides in the tournament, and they are expected to perform well," said a cricket analyst. The team, currently ranked 11th in the ICC T20I rankings, had recently won the Quadrangular T20I series at home, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.
Kuwait Women, ranked 46th, faced an uphill battle in this tournament. Their recent performances had been underwhelming, and they were seeking to turn their fortunes around in this crucial match. The team was aiming to make a strong statement in the tournament opener and prove that they could compete with higher-ranked teams.
As the match unfolded, Thailand's bowlers began to exert pressure on Kuwait's batting lineup. Their disciplined bowling and sharp fielding were vital in restricting runs and creating wicket-taking opportunities. The strategy of bowling first seemed to be paying off as Kuwait struggled to find momentum.
"We know that the key to our success lies in our bowling performance, and we are ready to take on the challenge," Chaiwai added during the pre-match briefing.
Kuwait's top-order batters were under pressure to deliver. Maryyam Ashraf, known for her explosive batting, was expected to anchor the innings and provide stability. However, as wickets fell at regular intervals, the team found it increasingly difficult to build partnerships.
In the middle overs, Kuwait attempted to accelerate their scoring, relying on their lower order to push the total. Despite their efforts, Thailand's bowlers continued to dominate, making it challenging for Kuwait to set a competitive target.
As the first innings progressed, all eyes were on the scoreboard. Fans were eager to see if Kuwait could reach a respectable total that would challenge Thailand in their chase. The atmosphere at Terdthai Cricket Ground was electric, with supporters from both teams cheering passionately.
The match not only marked the beginning of the ICC Women’s T20 Asia Qualifier but also highlighted the growing interest in women's cricket across Asia. With nine teams competing for two spots in the global qualifiers, every match is crucial.
As the first match of the tournament unfolded, it became evident that both teams were eager to make their mark. Thailand Women aimed to leverage their home advantage and the support of local fans, while Kuwait Women sought to defy expectations and showcase their talent on a bigger stage.
In conclusion, the ICC Women’s T20 Asia Qualifier 2025 promises to deliver thrilling cricket action, with teams like Thailand and Kuwait vying for glory. The opening match set the tone for an exciting tournament ahead, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the upcoming fixtures.
