In fact, Thailand, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia have already qualified for this year’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup by winning their respective quarter-finals of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup.
The four came in to the knockout stage as group winners and carried their form through to all but secure a place at the continental tournament set for later this year.
Thailand maintained their good form with a 56-run win over Nepal in Kuala Lumpur. Opted to bat first, the Thai side managed a moderately decent 130 for 4 in their innings with wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai hitting a stunning half century. She backed it up with a fighting 62 to anchor the innings, rescuing her team from early trouble. From there, Nepal never recovered, as Thailand bowled them out for just 74 – for the loss of only four wickets; a dismaying 4 -74 which gave it a totally one-sided victory.
The United Arab Emirates meanwhile advanced with ease after overcoming hosts Malaysia by 52 runs. However, it was anchored by an unbeaten 65 from Theertha Satish as UAE recovered to 138 for 2. Malaysia batted second but struggled to score at the required rate, finishing with 86 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Australian bowlers did the job once again in Bangi on Sunday, restricting Japan to 41 before taking the final wicket at just after lunchtime. With the bat it was Yasmin Daswani lead the way with 55 not out off just 36 balls, as she laid that strong base to win. Supporting that effort brilliantly was the bowling attack, which contributed with Maryam Bibi taking three wickets at critical junctures and Marina Lamplough backing her up by picking up two important wickets.
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Indonesia produced the most emphatic quarter-final performance with a stunning 113-run win over Oman. Indonesia were led by captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini with a half-century as they reached 137 for 7. Oman had no answers in reply as they were dismissed for mere 24 runs in 11.5 overs; Ni Made Putri Suwandewi took figures of 4 for 11.
In Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (Friday), Thailand will meet Indonesia, and Hong Kong await a date with UAE in the semi-finals. The Women’s T20 Asia Cup – The official schedule and dates.