But the gordian knot still rears its head in A.) the number of matches that FMs are guaranteed, and B.) in the fact the majority of FMs are never required to qualify for World Cups, regardless of their records. The T20I format is slightly different in that all international T20I fixtures, including those between Associates, are accorded the same status, and count towards ranking points in a more inclusive table. Status intersected with the facade of meritocracy to ensure the draw bridge was pulled up before any AMs – Thailand in that instance – could cross it. An abandoned tournament saw the ICC grant the West Indies, Pakistan, and Bangladesh spots in the World Cup, and Sri Lanka and Ireland places in the Championship on the basis of a ranking system which excluded the AMs altogether. There has been much written about the “ gordian knot of power politics at the heart of the global governance of cricket.” It became visible in the way in which participation for the ICC Women’s World Cup (ODI) and the next cycle of ICC Women’s Championship was decided last year. And for all the big victories that the FMs claim against the AMs, there are an increasing number of tight finishes. UAE beat Zimbabwe by four wickets in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2022.

Scotland beat Ireland by five wickets in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Region Qualifier 2021. Thailand are not the only Associate team on this trajectory. In the last five years, they have beaten Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and have trumped Ireland and Zimbabwe on multiple occasions. In part, this is because Thailand are now – almost universally – expected to compete with the lower-ranked FMs. Last week’s win against Pakistan did not garner the kind of attention that Thailand’s performance at the Sydney Showground did. The sheer happiness after scoring those winning runs ✨The Thailand🇹🇭 Team won our hearts and the match today #ACC #AsiaCup2022 #WomensAsiaCup /atJwwG7wfh- AsianCricketCouncil October 6, 2022

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