LAHORE (RNN TV) — Sidra Amin continued her impressive form with the bat, guiding Pakistan to a competitive total of 206 against Thailand in their fourth ODI of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Thursday.
With a World Cup spot hanging in the balance, the hosts are now just one win away from sealing their place in the marquee event set to be held later this year in India.
The day-night clash at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium saw Pakistan struggle early on after electing to bat first. The top order faltered under tight bowling from Thailand, with Phannita Maya removing debutant Shawaal Zulfiqar early. Zulfiqar, playing her first match of the tournament in place of Gull Feroza, was dismissed while attempting to break free from Thailand’s disciplined bowling in the powerplay.
Pakistan’s troubles continued as in-form batter Muneeba Ali fell cheaply to Onnicha Kamchomphu’s off-spin, top-edging a sweep into the circle. Aliya Riaz, who had starred in Pakistan’s win over Scotland, was run out in a mix-up with Sidra — eerily similar to her dismissal against the West Indies.
With the scoreboard reading a worrying 85-4 after 32 overs, Sidra Amin and skipper Fatima Sana stepped up with a crucial partnership that anchored Pakistan’s innings. Sidra top-scored with a composed 80 off 105 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries in a knock that held the innings together and marked her third half-century in four matches.
Thailand’s sloppy fielding, marked by six dropped catches — including a let-off for captain Fatima — allowed Pakistan to recover. Fatima took full advantage of the reprieve, scoring an unbeaten 62 off just 59 balls, which included five fours and a six. Her late acceleration pushed Pakistan past the 200-run mark in the final over.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had dominated the West Indies with a 65-run win, climbing to the top of the table. They entered Thursday’s match unbeaten in their first three games, and are favorites to qualify for the World Cup based on both form and ranking.
Thailand, meanwhile, came into this clash after a tough loss to Ireland, where they conceded 306 and fell short by 46 runs in their chase.
The ongoing qualifiers, featuring six teams — Pakistan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and West Indies — are being played in a single round-robin format across Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground. The top two teams will secure qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
Notably, Pakistan’s matches in the main tournament are expected to be held at a neutral venue due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, following a “hybrid model” decision made during the ICC Champions Trophy negotiations.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Shawaal Zulfiqar, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (c), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu
Thailand: Nattaya Boochatham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Natthakan Chantham, Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Phannita Maya, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Suwanan Khiaoto (wk), Suleeporn Laomi
Source: Web Desk
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