Thailand, UAE, Hong Kong, and Indonesia qualify for Women’s T20 Asia Cup after dominant ACC Women's Premier Cup outings

Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hong Kong, and Indonesia women’s teams have secured their places in the upcoming Women's T20 Asia Cup after registering convincing victories in the quarter-finals of the ACC Women's Premier Cup. The four sides, who topped their respective groups, continued their impressive form to book spots in the continental tournament scheduled to be held later this year.

Thailand maintained their unbeaten run in the competition with a commanding 56-run victory over Nepal in the first quarter-final played in Kuala Lumpur. After being put in to bat, Thailand posted 130/4, thanks largely to a brilliant knock from wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who scored 62 runs. Their bowlers then produced a disciplined effort to restrict Nepal to 74/7 and seal a comfortable win.

In another quarter-final in Kuala Lumpur, UAE outclassed hosts Malaysia by 52 runs. Theertha Satish starred with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 65 off 53 deliveries to guide UAE to 138/2. Malaysia struggled in the chase and could only manage 86/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong also advanced to the semi-finals with a convincing 41-run victory over Japan in Bangi. Yasmin Daswani led the charge with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 55 off just 36 balls. Hong Kong's bowlers then ensured there were no late scares, with Maryam Bibi claiming 3/17 and Marina Lamplough picking up 2/11.

Indonesia produced the most dominant performance of the quarter-final stage, crushing Oman by a massive 113 runs. Skipper Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini played a key role with a valuable half-century, scoring 51 to help her side post 137/7. Oman never got going in the chase and were bundled out for just 24 runs in 11.5 overs. Ni Made Putri Suwandewi starred with the ball, returning outstanding figures of 4/11.

With the quarter-final stage concluded, Thailand will face Indonesia in the first semi-final, while Hong Kong will take on UAE in the second semi-final. Both matches are set to be played in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

The official schedule and dates for the Women's T20 Asia Cup are yet to be announced, but the qualification of these four emerging teams marks another significant milestone for the growth and development of women's cricket across Asia.