Thailand claim fifth place at the WT20Q

Thailand saw off Uganda to claim fifth place in the ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier in the Netherlands. Nattakan Chantam and Nattaya Boochatham were the stars as they posted 113/7 from their 20 overs to set up victory by 34 runs in Amstelveen. The Ugandan chase never really got going as regular wickets prevented them from getting anywhere near a total that seemed only par at the halfway stage but which turned out to be very competitive.

A 51-run stand between Chantam and Boochatham was what set the foundations for the total as the pair set about rebuilding after the early loss of Naruemoi Chaiwai. The partnership was broken when Chantam smashed a full toss from Getrude Candiru straight into the hands of the fielder in the covers.

A partnership worth 42 runs followed between Boochatham and Nannapat Koncharoenkai who took the score past the 100 mark. That stand was broken when Koncharoenkai was run out. That wicket was followed by two more in the space of two runs, including another run out.

Thailand limped to the end of their innings rather than exploding over the line as they set a target of 114. When the Ugandan innings got underway things started very badly for the batting team as wickets tumbled and runs failed to flow.

They were reduced to 23/5 as poor running and bad shot making saw the innings fall to pieces. Chanida Sutthiruang claimed two early wickets as the Ugandan top-order fell apart. Janet Mbabazi was the only member of the Ugandan top order to reach double figures.

The top-scorer for the Ugandans was Stephani Nampiina who made 29 from 30 balls batting at seven and remained not out at the end of their innings. Three batters were out for ducks and a further four players were out for single figures. By the time the eighth wicket of the innings fell when Kevin Awino was the third victim of a run out Uganda were 68/8 after 17.3 overs. That they weren’t bowled out inside their 20 overs was something of a surprise.