Dubai, August 31: In the third match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, the Indian team is set to face Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Thailand’s captain won the toss and opted to field first, inviting the Indian team to bat.
This match marks the T20 International debut for Pratika Rawal from India. Meanwhile, Thailand’s acting captain, Thipcha Puthavong, confirmed that their regular captain, Naruemol Chaiwai, is sidelined due to injury. Puthavong expressed confidence in her team’s ability to restrict India to 170 runs.
After losing the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur stated, “We also considered bowling first, but batting first is not a problem. Today, Pratika is making her debut as Jemimah Rodrigues is not in the team. We just want to play good cricket. We have discussed showing aggressive play, and this tournament is very important for us.”
The Indian team is once again considered a strong contender for the title. Team India has previously claimed the Women’s T20 Asia Cup title three times. The opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma is in excellent form, with Mandhana boasting a remarkable record in the Asia Cup.
With Jemimah Rodrigues absent, Deepti Sharma will have the crucial responsibility of contributing with both bat and ball. Richa Ghosh has the potential to change the course of any match with her explosive batting. The pace attack will be led by Kranti Gaud, supported by Nandini Sharma. The spin department will rely on the shoulders of Sri Charani and Deepti Sharma. Thailand aims to give India a tough challenge in this encounter.
India’s Playing XI: Shefali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, N. Sri Charani, Kranti Gaud, and Nandini Sharma.
Thailand’s Playing XI: Natthakan Chantam, Nannapat Koncharoenkae (Wicketkeeper), Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipcha Puthavong (Captain), Phannita Maya, Afisara Suwancharonrathi, Sunida Chaturongratana, Nannafut Chaihan, and Naomi Hamilton.