Thailand on the rise after victory in debut ODI
'We want to go to the World Cup' – Thailand's Natthakan Chantham | Fairbreak
Opener Natthakan Chantham was the star for Thailand with the bat, running the show with a well-made century to mark the occasion.
The right-hander almost batted the entirety of the innings to anchor the side, with contributions around her helping the hosts to 243/9. Chantham was the seventh player to fall, striking nine boundaries before being eventually dismissed by Iris Zwilling in the 47th over.
Six other players reached double figures, though second-top-scoring Chanida Sutthiruang only mustered 24. Frédérique Overdijk was the pick of the Dutch bowlers with 3/39.
Rain in between innings delayed proceedings, eventually leading to a revised total of 235 from 46 overs.
The task proved to be a difficult one for the tourists in foreign conditions, who were circumspect in their response. Babette de Leede and Sterre Kalis began with an opening partnership of 47 to provide a platform, though chewed up 15 overs in the process.
Thailand’s spin group were at their devastating best, led by Nattaya Boochatham's off-breaks with the new ball.
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Boochatham's 1/17 from 7.5 overs allowed no easy runs early in the innings, and the pressure brought the likes of Thipatcha Putthawong and Onnicha Kamchomphu into the game to tie the screws. The pair claimed two and three wickets respectively, with leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi also picking up 2/22 later on.
Thailand's fielders backed the bowling, and it was Chantham again proving to be a thorn in the Dutch side. Just as De Leede looked to rebuild alongside Jolien van Vliet, Chantham's throw from square-leg caught the opener short looking for a quick single, leaving the tourists in a hole at 54/3.
Dutch captain Heather Siegers (28) was the only resistance to Thailand's spin blitz, taking on the bowling, only to fall in similar fashion to her teammates. Attempting to hit Kamchomphu down the ground, the skipper mistimed her effort, with a grateful Sornnarin Tippoch taking the catch in the deep.
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The Dutch could only muster four boundaries in their response, with Thailand's fielding standards continuing to match the bowling. Rosenan Kanoh claimed an excellent catch to dismiss Gwendolyn Bloemen, as the hosts cruised to victory.
The Thais were eventual 100-run win on DLS, with Chantham's knock alongside a catch and a run out making her the undoubted Player of the Match.
The teams meet in the second of three ODIs on Tuesday, followed by a five-match T20 series.