Pakistan women survived a late scare to defeat Thailand by three wickets in a rain-shortened Asian Games quarter-final in Nisshin on Thursday, reaching their 92-run target with just two balls to spare.
Rain delayed the start and reduced the contest to 11 overs per side. Asked to bat first, Thailand made 91 for four, led by Nannapat Koncharoenkai’s 49 from 38 deliveries.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-22 from three overs, while Nashra Sandhu returned figures of 1-19.
Pakistan began their chase positively and reached 50 in 7.1 overs before Thailand struck repeatedly to turn the match into a tense finish.
Shawaal Zulfiqar provided early momentum with 25 from just 14 balls, while Fatima contributed 21 off 13. Both batters struck three fours and a six.
Tuba Hassan then added a crucial 13 from seven deliveries, but her dismissal left Pakistan at 88 for seven and still needing four runs.
Eman Naseer and Umm-e-Hani kept their composure in the closing moments, guiding Pakistan to 92 for seven in 10.4 overs and sealing a place in the semi-finals.
Onnicha Kamchomphu led Thailand’s bowling effort with three wickets for 37 runs from three overs, while Sunida Chaturongrattana claimed two wickets.
Earlier, the quarter-final between Bangladesh and China was abandoned without play because of a wet outfield following rain. Bangladesh advanced to the semi-finals.