- May 7, 2025
COK vs THA (Match – 1) – Highlights
The inaugural match of the Japan Twenty20 Tri-Series 2025 witnessed a captivating contest between Thailand and the Cook Islands at Sano, ultimately culminating in a tense three-wicket victory for the Cook Islands with seven deliveries to spare. In a fixture defined by momentum shifts, intelligent bowling, and resolute middle-order resilience, the match underscored the rising competitiveness among Associate cricketing nations.
Thailand, after being put into bat, posted a modest total of 124/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a commendable 46 from opener Chaloemwong Chatphaisan, who demonstrated composure and deft strokeplay under pressure. His 36-ball effort, inclusive of one four and three towering sixes, was instrumental in propelling Thailand beyond the 120-run mark. He received sporadic support from Jandre Coetzee, whose 31 from 26 balls added urgency during the middle overs, yet frequent dismissals inhibited Thailand’s ability to mount a formidable score.
The Cook Islands bowlers executed their plans with admirable discipline. Milton Kavana and Oscar Taylor bowled tight spells, each claiming a wicket and stifling Thailand’s momentum with their variations. The standout performance came from Aue Parima, whose two crucial breakthroughs—including the in-form Chatphaisan—broke the back of Thailand’s innings. Hayden Dickson also contributed two scalps, maintaining a tight economy of 5.50.
In response, the Cook Islands’ chase oscillated between authority and vulnerability. Opening batsman Thomas Parima emerged as the linchpin of the pursuit, compiling a fluent 47 off 34 deliveries. His innings, highlighted by six boundaries and two sixes, showcased impeccable timing and confidence. Parima’s dismissal in the eighth over did inject some uncertainty, as Thailand’s bowlers began clawing back with timely strikes. Jandre Coetzee’s incisive bowling spell of 3.5 overs for 27 runs yielded two wickets at critical junctures, providing Thailand a glimmer of hope.
However, the Cook Islands’ lower-middle order displayed commendable temperament. Despite a flurry of late wickets—including a double blow in the 17th over, which saw Oscar Taylor and James Pickering dismissed for ducks—Cory Dickson and Jared Tutty calmly saw their side through to the finish line. The decisive moment arrived when Tutty struck a boundary to bring up the winning runs, concluding the chase at 125/7 in 18.5 overs.
Mukesh Thakur’s economical spell of 3-0-9-2 emerged as a silver lining for Thailand, reaffirming his credentials as a reliable death-over specialist. Likewise, Nopphon Senamontree and Sorawat Desungnoen impressed with their tight lines and well-directed variations.
Ultimately, the match highlighted both the potential and pitfalls of emerging cricketing sides. For Thailand, the inability to accelerate during the death overs and frequent collapses hampered a more competitive total. Conversely, the Cook Islands’ ability to absorb pressure and finish clinically underlines their growing maturity on the international circuit.
Thomas Parima deservedly earned the Player of the Match accolade for his decisive knock, laying the foundation for what promises to be a gripping tournament. As the series progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies and build on the promise exhibited in this enthralling opener.
Cook Islands vs Thailand Scoreboard
Thailand – 124/7 (20.0)
Cook Islands – 125/7 (18.5)
Result – Cook Islands won by 3 wickets
Player of the match – Thomas Parima
Thomas Parima
COK vs THA Playing XIs
Cook Islands | Ma’ara Ave (c), James Pickering (wk), Jared Tutty, Liam Denny, Hayden Dickson, Cory Dickson, Milton Kavana, Tiaki Wuatai, Aue Parima, Oscar Taylor, Thomas Parima |
Thailand | Austin Lazarus (c), Akshaykumar Yadav (wk), Anucha Kalasi, Nitish Salekar, Phanuphong Thongsa, Mukesh Thakur, Sorawat Desungnoen, Chaloemwong Chatphaisan, Jandre Coetzee, Sarawut Maliwan, Nopphon Senamontree |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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