New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Thailand cricketer Natthakan Chantham expressed that the upcoming 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Asia Cup, to be held in her native Bangkok, marks a pivotal moment for cricket in Thailand, especially after their disappointment from not qualifying for the T20 World Cup.

The tournament will take place from February 13-22, featuring eight teams, with Radha Yadav leading India 'A' as the defending champions. For Thailand, competing at home is a unique and inspiring opportunity, as Natthakan shared: "Participating in a major tournament here in Bangkok is incredibly significant for us. Playing on our home turf instills a profound sense of pride and responsibility.

“Naturally, there is some pressure, but I perceive it more as motivation. The support we receive from our fans energizes us, and we feel secure playing at home. It strongly reminds us that we play not just for ourselves, but for our nation as well," she remarked in a candid conversation with IANS, arranged by Sony Sports Network.

After failing to qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup, the team engaged in deep reflection. Natthakan, who has participated in 114 T20Is, noted that they have sought to learn from their disappointing experience in Nepal.

"Missing out on the World Cup was indeed disheartening. However, it provided us with a critical moment for reflection. We recognized the need for improvement in our skills, mindset, and game awareness. We must focus on patience, maintaining clarity, and staying present under pressure. This experience has strengthened us mentally as we head into the Asia Cup," she articulated.

Rather than solely chasing results, Natthakan emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards across all aspects of the game. "Our objective is to compete with the strongest teams. Additionally, we aim to set a benchmark, demonstrating that Thailand can uphold high standards in fielding, bowling, and batting. More than just results, we wish to display our goals and growth as a team," she affirmed.

Drawing from her vast international experience, Natthakan reflected on the mental adaptations necessary to compete against Asia's elite cricket teams. "Batting at the international level has instilled in me the virtues of patience and adaptability; rushing is not an option. One must remain aware of the context and manage emotions effectively.

“I’ve learned that constructing an innings relies on game awareness and making decisions with clarity rather than ego. It’s essential to prioritize the inner game over external pressures," she stated.

While Thailand will enjoy the benefits of familiar conditions in Bangkok, Natthakan acknowledged that a home advantage has its limits on the international stage. "Bangkok's conditions can be hot and humid, sometimes proving challenging.

“We are accustomed to these conditions, which provides us some comfort. However, international cricket demands adaptability, regardless of where you play," she explained.

The Asia Cup's presence in Thailand has already bolstered the visibility of women’s cricket in the country, according to Natthakan. "Hosting this Asia Cup is a pivotal milestone for women’s cricket in Thailand, as we are witnessing a surge in interest and support, especially from young athletes and their families. This indicates the growth of women’s cricket, giving us hope for the future," she noted.

When asked about the disparity between Thailand and Asia's top-ranked teams, Natthakan pinpointed the lack of experience in high-pressure situations as the primary gap. "The difference lies in exposure to high-pressure matches. Leading teams consistently operate at a higher level, which hones decision-making under pressure. To narrow this gap, we need more competitive matches and opportunities to develop both mental resilience and skill sets," she indicated.

For aspiring young Thai girls watching the tournament, Natthakan offered encouragement rooted in self-confidence and patience. "My advice is straightforward - believe in yourself. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Focus on your improvement, enjoy the journey, and take it one step at a time. If you remain patient and dedicated, opportunities will arise, allowing you to play cricket in an authentic and expressive manner," she concluded.

Catch the Asia Cup Women’s Rising Stars 2026 from February 13 to 22, 2026, LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD and HD channels & livestream on Sony LIV starting at 8:00 AM IST and 12:30 PM IST.