Rain ruins Thailand's dream of Pakistan upset
Thailand's openers alone made more than how much they managed in each of their three games earlier
Thailand's openers alone made more than how much they managed in each of their three games earlier
Scorer: @Thilak_Rama | Commentator: Alex Malcolm
That concludes our coverage of this Group B match between Thailand and Pakistan. Thailand posted their highest ever T20I score but rain ruined the game in the end.
Now we wait to see what happens with South Africa and West Indies. Thanks for your company for this match.
Sornnarin Tippoch: "The openers were positive and aggressive and they did very well opening the batting for us. We have opportunity to come here and play against the big teams. I think it is good for us. We want to play here and keep doing well. (People at home) will be happy, same as us. They will be cheering. Now we are superstars for our country I think because we are the models for the girls and the boys to play cricket. We will be preparing for the next World Cup."
Javeria Khan: "Yes, definitely (we were surprised by Thailand). It gave us the lesson that during cricket no team is bigger or smaller, you have to be on your toes every time. I'd like to congratulate them for playing such fearless cricket and they have taught us many things today. It was a day where no bowler except Nida was able to execute her plans. Diana upfront bowled well initially but it was a day where the resources we had, every bowler was not able to come and execute the plan. Credit to Thailand, whatever questions I put they gave me answers to every question and they played some brilliant cricket. We'll walk away with our heads held high and our girls played some good cricket. We beat West Indies. We came a lot closer to beating South Africa but we made crucial mistakes at crucial times. 90 per cent of the game was in our hands but the 10 per cent cost us. This World Cup was quite positive for us. We need to understand now where we have to go forward and where we have to look into our mistakes and be critical about ourselves and not stay in denial about what needs to be done."
5.58pm The game has been called off. It's a washout with Thailand and Pakistan sharing the points in their last game.
That's a shame for both teams. Thailand batted so well and deserved a chance to defend their highest ever T20I score. Pakistan likewise deserved a chance to atone and try and set a new record for their highest ever chase. Alas, it's not to be. Now we have to wait to see if South Africa and West Indies can get on. It doesn't look good at the moment.
5.45pm We are 18 minutes from the cut off time and I don't think we will get back on. Andrew McGlashan, who is at the ground, says it's very wet and the rain has set in now. The radar does not look good. The second game between South Africa and West Indies will be impacted as well.
Sarah A: "Do not want to take anything away from Thai Players, they were brilliant. But to imply that Pakistanis could not have chased that, is a bit demeaning. I wish they had batted today to prove their mettle. "
5.30pm No news is not good news for Thailand.
P Narain: "I know you can't control the weather, but this is injustice for Thailand. This was their game for the taking. Pakistan weren't likely to chase it down. They deserved the two points"
shirish: "The rain threat on semifinal shows how important it was for SA and India to win their games against england and aussies"
5.20pm Still a steady drizzle, Gnasher says from the ground and the radar doesn't look good. Alex will take over soon...
Hazel: "Rain or shine, THI-W have just served notice they've arrived! Are we seeing the birth of a new powerhouse?"
Kaylee: "If there is no game between SA and WI, will they both not get a point? Taking SA top of the group?" That's right.
5.05pm Andrew McGlashan says from the ground: Thailand players have moved from the dugout back inside the stadium (still smiling)...no movement in the middle. We're losing overs from 5.11pm local time and have to start by 6.03pm.
Thee is a fair bit of rain (15-30mm) forecast for day after, the day of the two semi-finals in Sydney. In case they're both washed out, the teams that topped their groups will play the final. The semi line-up is A1 (Ind) v B2 and A2 (Aus) v B1 which makes today's second game - South Africa v West Indies - even more crucial as it will decide if SA top the group or England.
Although, Alex warns me: they had 100mm forecast for the BBL final at the SCG and still played so I'd be careful predicting the semis will be washed out.
Deeps: "I really want to see this match end with a result. Would be a beauty to see Thai women win this. "
4.55pm Plenty of people asking when we'll start losing overs and what's the cut-off time, given the second match starts in two hours. I think we start losing overs at 5.11pm local time.
Bob Jones: "What are the rules? They can't even start in light drizzle? This game will be a no result and the next game will probably be abandoned. Thank you Sydney."
Bharath Venkata: "I am afraid that might be it for the day in terms of play. The rain radar for Sydney and surrounds ain't looking great. Whilst not heavy, there is going to be persistent rain. In fact, even the semi finals on Thursday might be impacted by rain. Do they have a reserve day for the Semi finals? Or do the table toppers go through to the finals?"
4.45pm Alex tells me Pakistan are 0-15 while chasing 150-plus total in T20Is. This will be their 16th attempt. Looks like the rain is coming from the north-western side and might stay for a bit longer. Here's what the umpires said as it became heavier:
Claire Polosak: Rain has gotten heavier, there's 30mins time before losing overs. We're trying to maximise the play we can and see what's safe as well
Chris Brown: For now we'll keep an eye on the weather, at the moment covers do their thing.
Calitha: "Nooooo! I know Sydney needs the rain, but can it just hold off for like 90 mins please?"
4.34pm Oh hello, it's raining and the umbrellas are out. No really a rain but more of a heavy drizzle, the Thailand players are in a huddle near the boundary, and the pitch has been covered. The umpires talking to the two captains as another cover is rolled out near the square region.
bimalc632@gmail: "The shots by Chantam and Boochatham were mesmerizing to watch. No extra effort, just pure timing and elegance. Future looks bright for Thai women! "
Yadullah: "Wait for the biggest upset of women WC history. Same unpredictable nature, as Pak men's cricket team. I think, unpredictability is in our genes."
4.30pm Thanks Alex. And that was one breathtaking performance from the Thailand top order. Those booming cover drives, inside-out shots, sweeps, and the rainfall of boundaries, 23 fours in all. Massive task for Pakistan, their best score while chasing is 144, just a few months ago against England, although while chasing 171.
Innings break Thailand post 150 for the first time in a T20I. Amazing performance by the Thailand team. It was led by a stunning 93-run opening stand from Chantam and Boochatham. Chantam made 56 and Boochatham 44. The rest kept the rate moving. Pakistan's bowlers struggled with the exception of Nida Dar and Diana Baig.
Nattakan Chantam: "I really enjoyed playing against these bowlers. I followed my plans and did my job. I really the World Cup. If we have more games we will improve."
Pakistan women have never chased more than 139 in a T20I. They will need to set a new record to avoid defeat here. Vishal will be back with the chase.
Onnicha Kamchomphu
C Sutthiruang b Nida Dar 20 (15b 2x4 0x6) SR: 133.33
Captain Sornnarin Tippoch hopes they would be remembered for their cricket as well as their character
Thailand's openers alone made more than how much they managed in each of their three games earlier
Fantasy suggestions for the T20 World Cup game between Pakistan and Thailand