Thais ready for Twenty20 battles
Thailand are ready to host the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015 from Nov 28 to Dec 5.
The eight-day tournament, which serves as a qualifying tournament for next year’s ICC World Twenty20, will feature eight teams divided into two groups.
Hosts Thailand are in Group A along with Bangladesh, Scotland, and Papua New Guinea while Group B features Ireland, the Netherlands, China and Zimbabwe.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The two finalists will earn places at the 2016 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 to be held in India from March 1 to April 3.
“We are well prepared for the competition in terms of both organisation and team development,” said Ravi Sehgal, president of Cricket Association of Thailand.
“Our team have made fast progress by recently moving up to 19th [place] in the world from 107th last year. I am confident they will reach the final and qualify for the World Cup next year.”
Tomorrow Thailand, led by captain Sornnarin Tippoch, will kick start their campaign against Bangladesh at Thailand Cricket Ground in Bangkok while Ireland will clash with the Netherlands at the same venue.
At Asian Institute of Technology Ground (AIT), Papua New Guinea will take on Scotland while China meet Zimbabwe.
Commenting on their opening match against Bangladesh tomorrow, captain Sornnarin said it will be a tough assignment for the team but the players have had good preparation for the match.
She added they will take it game by game instead of putting too much pressure on themselves. She also believed hosting the tournament will help not only develop but also promote the sport in the country.