Kathmandu: Thailand continued their dominant run in the Nepal Women’s T20I Tri-Series with a gritty 17-run victory over the Netherlands in a low-scoring encounter at the TU Ground, Kirtipur, on Monday. 

The win marked Thailand’s third consecutive triumph, keeping their unbeaten record intact and solidifying their position at the top of the points table with six points from three matches.

Put to bat first, Thailand were restricted to 86 runs with a ball to spare before they bowled out the Netherlands for 69 runs in 15.5 overs.    

Thailand struggled early, losing four quick wickets for just 24 runs. Only two Thai batters managed to reach double figures in the face of disciplined Dutch bowling. All-rounder Chanida Sutthiruang anchored the innings with a crucial 27 runs off 28 balls that included three boundaries. Phannita Maya provided some much-needed resistance with a patient 12 off 31 deliveries.

The Netherlands’ bowlers were impressive, with Iris Zwilling (2-23), Eva Lynch (2-13), and Silver Siegers (2-9) leading the charge to dismiss Thailand for a modest total..

In the run chase, the Dutch innings mirrored Thailand’s struggles as they faltered against a disciplined Thai bowling attack. Despite a valiant effort from captain Babette de Leede, who top-scored with 25 off 21 balls that included five boundaries, the Netherlands fell 17 runs short. 

Iris Zwilling (13 off 30) and Caroline de Lange (10 off 12) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

Thailand’s bowlers delivered a collective masterclass, with left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong (4-2-10-3), pacer Onnicha Kamchomphu (4-0-17-3), and the all-round brilliance of Chanida Sutthiruang (4-1-15-2) dismantling the Dutch batting line-up. Sutthiruang’s all-round heroics earned her the player-of-the-match.

This was Thailand’s second victory over the Netherlands in the series having defeated them convincingly by eight wickets on Friday. Meanwhile, the Netherlands remain second on the table with four points from four matches. Hosts Nepal are yet to open their account, languishing at the bottom after three straight losses.

Thailand will face Nepal again on Tuesday at the same venue. In their previous meeting on Saturday, Thailand secured a four-wicket win over the hosts. The tri-series is being played under a triple round-robin league format.