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Thailand showed some promising signs in their T20 World Cup debut, but their low score with the bat cost them dearly against the West Indies.
The West Indies have overcome an unexpected scare to post a seven-wicket victory over newcomers Thailand in the Twenty20 World Cup clash at the WACA Ground.
Thailand was restricted to 9-78 from their 20 overs on Saturday, with Nannapat Koncharoenkai (33) and Naruemol Chaiwai (13) the only players to reach double figures.
The West Indies slumped to 3-27 in reply, and it would have been 4-27 if Shemaine Campbelle decided against appealing an LBW decision that was originally given out.
From that point on the West Indies settled, with Campbelle (25no off 27) and Stafanie Taylor (26no) guiding them home with 20 balls to spare.
Thailand is the first team from south-east Asia to feature in a women's cricket World Cup, and they displayed class well above their experience.
Their two run-outs showcased some good skills in the field, and their spin bowling caused the West Indies problems.
"It's been a long time waiting. It's been 13 years for us," Thai opener Nattaya Boochatham said of the momentous occasion for her country.
"It was really exciting to get on the ground, get on the World Cup stage and show the people of the world that Thailand can play very good cricket.
"It's probably going to make people look at us positively and take us more seriously, and give us more motivation."
West Indies captain Taylor, who snared 3-13 with the ball, conceded her team were given a fright.
"Today was definitely tricky," Taylor said.
"We have never played Thailand before, so it's more like you have to spend time at the crease and get used to their bowlers, which I don't think we did properly.
"It was a bit of a nervous moment. They're really good bowlers.
"I reckon in a few years' time they will definitely give teams challenges.
"I'm really pleased we get to go over that hurdle today. It wasn't great being at the non striker's end and seeing wickets falling. But I can smile now."
