Dubai, August 31: Despite a strong start, the Indian women’s cricket team managed to score only 159 runs, losing 9 wickets against Thailand in their opening match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. This match marked the beginning of their campaign in Group A.
Batting first after losing the toss at the Dubai International Stadium, the Indian team was well-supported by Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who together added 38 runs in just 18 balls. Mandhana scored 19 runs off 10 balls, hitting 4 boundaries before being dismissed. Following her, Shafali partnered with Pratika Rawal to add 53 runs for the second wicket in 36 balls, taking the team’s score to 91.
Pratika, playing her first T20 International, contributed 22 runs off 18 balls with 3 boundaries before returning to the pavilion. Shafali then added 17 runs with captain Harmanpreet Kaur for the third wicket, pushing the team past the century mark.
India appeared to be in a strong position until the 11th over. However, a sudden collapse followed, starting with the dismissal of captain Harmanpreet Kaur (5) in the 11.3 over. In the next over, both Shafali Verma (64 runs off 36 balls, including 11 boundaries) and Richa Ghosh (0) were quickly sent back.
The team lost Dapti Sharma (5) in the 16th over, and in the 17th over, both Bharti Fulmali (13) and Prema Rawat (6) were dismissed. Eventually, Kranti Gaud (not out 15) and Shri Charani (not out 6) managed to form an unbeaten partnership of 22 runs for the 10th wicket, helping India reach just over 150 runs.
From the opposition, Suliporn Laomi took 3 wickets for 26 runs, while Sunida Chaturongrat also claimed 2 wickets. Chanida Sutthiruang and captain Thipatcha Putthawong each took 1 wicket.
This match marked a significant milestone for all-rounder Deepti Sharma, as it was her 150th T20 International. She now ranks third among Indian women players for the most matches played in this format, following Harmanpreet (202) and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (171). Globally, Deepti has become the 12th player in women’s cricket history to play 150 T20 Internationals.