Thailand Women take on UAE Women in ICC Emerging Nations Trophy 2025

The 21st match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 promises an exciting encounter. Hosts Thailand Women will face the United Arab Emirates Women at Bangkok’s Terdthai Cricket Ground. Thailand, enjoying an impressive run this year, aim to maintain their winning form on home soil.

The UAE, meanwhile, look to build momentum and challenge the hosts with spirited performances in this competitive round-robin tournament.

Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai won the toss and opted to field, handing the early advantage to her team’s strong bowling unit. The hosts’ playing XI includes key bowlers Nattaya Boochatham, Thipatcha Putthawong, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Sunida Chaturongrattana, and Chanida Sutthiruang. Wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai and middle-order batters Nattakan Chantam and Suwanan Khiaoto are expected to anchor Thailand’s innings later. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nannaphat Chaihan, and Rosenan Kanoh are named as substitutes.

UAE Women, led by prolific all-rounder Esha Oza, feature Theertha Satish as wicketkeeper and batting all-rounders Michelle Botha and Al Maseera Jahangir. The team also includes Rinitha Rajith, Heena Hotchandani, Udeni Dona, Athige Silva, Suraksha Kotte, and Vaishnave Mahesh, with Indhuja Nandakumar, Lavanya Keny, and Siya Gokhale on the bench.

Players to watch

Nannapat Koncharoenkai has been a consistent force for Thailand, amassing 2079 runs in 104 innings at an average of 26.31 with a strike rate of 87.68. Although her recent scores have been modest, her ability to rotate strike makes her a key figure in the middle order. Thipatcha Putthawong, a left-arm spinner, has been exceptional this year, claiming 119 wickets in 77 WT20I innings at an economy rate of 3.97, including a career-best 5 for 6.

For UAE, Esha Oza remains the cornerstone, scoring 2804 runs in 100 WT20I innings at a strike rate of 115.15 while also contributing 72 wickets. Bowling all-rounder Michelle Botha has been a crucial player, taking 19 wickets in 14 WT20I innings at an economy of 4.21 and providing key breakthroughs at vital moments.

Pitch and conditions

The Terdthai Cricket Ground offers a balanced pitch, providing early assistance to seamers and later helping spinners. The average first-innings T20 score ranges between 135 and 145, with chasing sides generally having a slight edge. Bangkok’s weather is set to be overcast with a high of 27°C and a low of 16°C, while moderate winds of 15-25 km/h are expected. No rain is forecast, although a passing cold front may make conditions feel slightly cooler.