Thailand remain the only unbeaten team at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – Asia Qualifiers after a 17-run victory over hosts Hong Kong at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Thailand struggled loosing four wickets in the first seven overs with just 17 runs on the board. Hong Kong Captain Mariko Hill took two of the wickets and off spinner Ka-Man Chan bowled a superb three maiden spell and took a wicket.
Thailand’s Captain Sornnarin Tippocj and Naruemol Chaiwai strong 63-run fifth wicket partnership, the best in the tournament so far, pushed the total to 90 for 6 after 20 overs.
Hong Kong’s chase started poorly with the first four wickets falling within nine overs, and none of the top order batters reaching double figures. As in their first two games Hong Kong failed to effectively rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over and this time it cost them.
Keenu Gill provided some hope for Hong Kong, scoring 19 runs, and Chloe Ip contributed 14 runs.
Thailand’s Medium Pace Bowler Chanida Sutthiruang took 3/13 with one maiden. Sornnarin Tippocj was named Player of the Match for the second time in the tournament.
“I thought our opening bowlers did really well, but in the middle we struggled a bit,” said Hong Kong Captain Mariko Hill after the match. “I thought we started off really well. There were lots of positive intent, but at the same time we were making the same mistakes. We need that one solid batsman from the top five to stay until the 19th over to see off the innings, but that never really happened today,” said Hill.
Match Summary
Thailand 90/6 (20 overs)
Hong Kong 73/8 (20 overs)
Thailand won by 17 runs
Scorecard: www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1059674
Points Table after first round of matches
Additional reporting and images: HK Cricket Association