India opened their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 94-run victory over Thailand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, with Shafali Verma’s explosive half-century and a clinical bowling display powering them to a winning start.
Chasing 160 for victory, Thailand were bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai offered the only significant resistance, scoring 41 off 48 balls, but received little support from the rest of the batting line-up.
India made a positive start after opting to bat first. Smriti Mandhana struck 19 off 10 balls before being run out, while T20I debutant Pratika Rawal made an encouraging contribution of 22 off 18 balls.
Shafali then took control of the innings, smashing 64 off just 36 deliveries. Her knock included eight fours and three sixes and marked her 19th T20I half-century.
India reached 91/1 after 8.5 overs and appeared set for a much bigger total, but the innings lost momentum in the middle overs. India slipped from 91/1 to 137/9 by 17.2 overs, with several wickets falling in quick succession.
Deepti Sharma was also run out during the collapse, with Thailand’s Suleeporn Laomi producing a direct hit to complete the dismissal. Laomi was Thailand’s standout bowler, finishing with 3-26 from her four overs.
India, however, found a late boost through Kranti Gaud, who struck 15 off eight balls to help take the total to 159 all out in 20 overs.
Deepti Sharma leads India’s bowling charge
India’s bowlers then took control of the chase, striking at regular intervals and preventing Thailand from building any meaningful partnership.
Deepti Sharma led the attack with an impressive 3-1, while Nandani Sharma also claimed three wickets for 18 runs as Thailand’s batting order struggled to cope with the Indian attack.
Koncharoenkai stood firm at one end with her 41, but the lack of support meant Thailand never looked capable of challenging India’s total.
India eventually bowled Thailand out for 65 in 16.1 overs to seal a 94-run victory and open their Women’s Asia Cup campaign on a dominant note.