Thailand's Bowling Heroics Stun India in Women's Asia Cup Clash

In a gripping Women's Asia Cup encounter, Thailand's bowlers showcased their skills, limiting India to 159 runs despite a stellar performance from Shafali Verma. After a promising start, India faced a dramatic collapse, with key wickets falling in quick succession. Laomi's exceptional bowling led Thailand to a memorable victory, marking a significant moment in the tournament. Discover how the match unfolded and the standout performances that defined this thrilling clash.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 10:43 IST

India's Struggles Despite Shafali's Heroics

In a thrilling Women's Asia Cup match held in Dubai, India faced a challenging defeat against Thailand, despite a remarkable half-century from Shafali Verma. The Indian team managed to score 159 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, largely due to the impressive bowling display from Thailand's Suleeporn Laomi and Sunida Chaturongrattana.

Shafali emerged as the standout performer for India, scoring 64 runs off just 36 deliveries, which included eight boundaries and three sixes. After winning the toss, Thailand opted to bowl first, leading to India's initial strong position of 108 runs for 2 wickets, before a sudden collapse saw them fall to 136 for 7 in a matter of overs.

Strong Start for India

The innings began positively with Smriti Mandhana hitting three boundaries in the first over against Phannita Maya. Shafali followed suit, striking two fours in the subsequent over. However, Mandhana's innings ended prematurely as she was run out after scoring 19 runs off 10 balls, leaving India at 38 for 1.

Shafali continued her aggressive batting, and Pratika Rawal, making her T20I debut, hit her first six on just her fourth ball, helping India reach 50 runs in just over four overs. By the end of the powerplay, India stood at 65 for 1, with Shafali on 33 and Pratika on 13.

In Sunida Chaturongrattana's second over, India capitalized, with Shafali reaching her 19th T20I fifty in just 26 balls. However, shortly after, Pratika was dismissed by Suleeporn Laomi, leaving India at 91 for 2.

Thailand's Resilient Bowling Performance

As the innings progressed, India was at 101 for 2 after 10 overs, with Shafali and captain Harmanpreet Kaur at the crease. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Laomi and Putthawong struck. Laomi dismissed Shafali and Richa Ghosh in consecutive deliveries, leading to a quick decline in India's score to 112 for 5.

Bharti Fulmali and Deepti Sharma attempted to stabilize the innings, but Deepti was run out shortly after, and Fulmali's innings ended at 13 runs. India found themselves in dire straits at 136 for 7.

Thailand's bowlers maintained their pressure, dismissing Prema Rawat and Nandni Sharma, reducing India to 137 for 9. Kranti Garud and Shree Charani managed to push the score to 159 by the end of the innings.

Laomi was the standout bowler for Thailand, claiming 3 wickets for 26 runs, while Chaturongrattana took 2 for 31. Both Putthawong and Chanida Sutthiruang contributed with a wicket each.