Sports
Thailand Women’s Twenty20 Smash: Nepal surrender in final
Nepal buckled under pressure of playing against an experienced Thailand team losing to the hosts by 70 runs in the Thailand Women’s Twenty20 Smash at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Saturday.Adarsha Dhakal
Nepal buckled under pressure of playing against an experienced Thailand team losing to the hosts by 70 runs in the Thailand Women’s Twenty20 Smash at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Saturday.
Playing in their first ever final of an international tournament in the last 12 years, Nepali bowlers never managed to contain Thai batswomen who came into the tournament with a haul of experience including their maiden appearance in last year’s ICC Women’s World Twenty20. Opener Natthakan Chantham made an enterprising half century as the hosts reached 121-1 in 20 overs.
With a big target to chase, Nepal lost their first two wickets for four runs and played under pressure throughout their innings to get bundled out for just 51 runs in 17.2 overs. Nepal coach Binod Das said the team put pressure upon itself.
“We put too much pressure on ourselves thinking about playing against Thailand. We are equally matched sides in terms of skill but they beat us hands down when it comes to match awareness and temperament. But now I know where we need to work on so next time we will put up a better show,” Das told the Post from Bangkok.
Thailand won the mental battle in the first innings after Chantham and her opening partner Naruemol Chaiwai put up a dominating 94-run partnership for the first wicket. The only delight for Nepal was Rubina Chhetri’s run out of Chaiwai who made 27 off 42 to play role of a calm ally for Chantham. Chanida Sutthiruang joined Chantham and the two lifted the total collecting 27 runs from last four overs.
Chantham made 69 not out off 67 balls hitting four boundaries, while Sutthiruang made 19 off 14 with one boundary. Kabita Kunwar was the only Nepali bowler to contain Thai batswomen conceding just 10 runs in three overs. Das said his girls panicked after Thailand got a strong start.
“I think we panicked a bit once they got the start. We dropped a simple catch early and missed couple of easy run outs. When you are playing against a good team, you have to convert chances. Once they got a good total, we knew we need to bat very well but run out didn’t help,” said Das adding his side was outplayed not forgetting to remain positive.
“Actually we never got going in this game. The difference was match temperament of two teams. Thailand have been playing against good teams continuously and so they know how to handle tough situations better than us. This tournament has given us so much confidence. Overall I am very happy with the performance in this tour,” Das said.
Nepal lost opener Kajal Shrestha (one) and Indu Barma (duck) in the first two overs to get into back foot. They soon lost experienced opener Sita Rana Magar as Thailand choked their familiar rivals one more time. Former skipper Nary Thapa top scored with 17 off 37 balls, while Rana Magar hit two boundaries in a 17-ball 13.
None of the remaining Nepali batswoman managed to reach double digits. Sleeporn Laomi took 3-15 from four overs, while Sornnarin Tippoch tightened the screws taking 2-6 in her miserly four-over spell in collective Thai bowling effort.
Summary
Thailand 121-1 in 20 overs (N Chantham 69 not out, N Chaiwai 27, C Sutthiruang 19; K Kunwar 0-10) beat Nepal 51 all out in 17.2 overs (N Thapa 17, SR Magar 13; S Laomi 3-15, S Tippoch 2-6) by 70 runs
Player-of-the-match: S Laomi (THAI)