A WORLDWIDE FESTIVAL OF WOMEN’S CRICKET COMES TO BANGKOK

February saw Thailand host the ACC T20 Eastern Region competition for men’s teams, but now it is the turn of the ladies to take centre stage.

The Asean Women’s T20 Open Tournament is being held in Bangkok from 5th to 14th March with six teams from Asia and beyond competing in  a round robin league.

The six teams are Thailand, Bhutan Hong Kong and Malaysia from Asia; Indonesia from the East Africa Pacific region and Tanzania from the African region.

It is important that women’s teams from across the cricketing level get the chance to play each other.

The ICC Women’s Championship sees the top eight sides in the world play each other regularly but this is a rare opportunity for countries at a lower level to gain experience.

The three medallists from the SEA Games, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia will meet again with Indonesia likely to push Thailand hard.

Hong Kong have just missed out on qualifying for major international tournaments so will enjoy having another chance to shine.

Bhutan were one of the top 6 best teams in ACC women’s cricket a few years ago but have been overlooked since ICC started looking after women’s cricket in the Asian region.

It will be a treat to see Tanzania in action who have travelled a long way to take part having also played in Malaysia last year.

This tournament will also be a good stepping stone for Thailand as they build towards the Asia Cup in Malaysia and World T20 Qualifier in Netherlands.

Play gets underway on Tuesday at Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok and matches are played for eight days.