Pakistan, Sept. 2 -- Pakistan made a winning start to the Women's T20 Asia Cup by defeating Thailand by 35 runs in their opening match. Muneeba Ali played a key role with a fighting half-century as Pakistan posted 119 for nine. Their disciplined bowling then restricted Thailand to 84 for eight.

Pakistan struggled to score freely on a slow and low pitch after choosing to bat first. They slipped to 32 for three during the powerplay before Muneeba and Sadaf Shamas steadied the innings. The pair added 54 runs for the fourth wicket to give Pakistan a much-needed boost.

Muneeba battled the difficult conditions and heat to score 54 from 52 balls. She hit four boundaries before Thailand finally dismissed her in the 17th over. Shamas added 20, w...