ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020: Thailand Women fixtures, key players, squad, prediction

Just like Bangladesh Women, Thailand Women made it to the final of the Qualifier to qualifier of the T20 World Cup. They lost the final, to Bangladesh at Utrecht, but that did not prevent them from finishing 2019 with more wins than any other country.

Not only were Thailand’s 21 wins (they lost only 4) the most in 2019, they were also 7 wins clear of Zimbabwe – though Zimbabwe won all 14 of their matches. While their record against Bangladesh reads a woeful 0-3, they finished the year with 3-0 against both Ireland and Netherlands and 2-0 against Hong Kong as well as 1-1 against Scotland.

While there is no dearth of talent in their side, they do lack experience against the major nations. They will do well to compete against any of their four oppositions – England, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies. A win is extremely unlikely, but who can tell in T20 cricket, especially if rain reduces a match significantly?

Key players

Nattaya Boochatham: There is little doubt that Boochatham has been Thailand’s finest player in their first year in international cricket. Her 48 wickets (the most for Thailand) have come while conceding 3.57 an over. Reasonably competent with bat, she finished 2019 as Thailand’s third-highest run-scorer.

Somnarin Tippoch: If Boochatham has been Thailand’s most prolific cricketer, captain Tippoch has not been far behind. Just like Boochatham, Tippoch, too, is an off-spinner who can bat more than a bit. Given how they have practised in India, Tippoch and Boochatham are expected to open batting for Thailand.

Chanida Sutthiruang: The third top-quality all-rounder of the side (after Boochatham and Tippoch), Sutthiruang is a competent seam bowler (42 wickets, economy 3.47) as well as a quick scorer down the order.

Squad: Somnarin Tippoch (c), Nattaya Boochatham (vc), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk) Chanida Sutthiruang, Naruemol Chaiwai, Nattakan Chantam, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenan Kanoh, Suwanan Khiaoto, Suleeporn Laomi, Soraya Lateh, Wongpaka Liengprasert, Phannita Maya, Ratanaporn Padunglerd, Thipatcha Putthawong.

Fixtures

February 22: vs West Indies at WACA, Perth
February 26: vs England at Manuka Oval, Canberra
February 28: vs South Africa at Manuka Oval, Canberra
March 3: vs Pakistan at Showground Stadium, Sydney

Prediction

To lose all four matches by massive margins and finish last in the group.