Thailand’s female cricketers look past World Cup agony

In a country where a Muay Thai right hook is more familiar than a batter’s hook shot, Thailand’s pioneering female cricketers are winning hearts with smiles, dance moves — and skill.

In contrast with Asian powerhouses India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — countries where the game has deep historical roots going back to British imperial rule — cricket remains in its infancy in Thailand and is still virtually unknown.

In 2020, Thailand qualified for the Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, where the hosts beat India in the final, but further progress is being hampered by minimal exposure on TV and a lack of access to equipment.

They have experienced heartbreak,…