India Dominates Thailand in Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Opener with a 94-Run Victory

India's Strong Start in Women’s Asia Cup 2026

Dubai: India kicked off their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 journey with an impressive 94-run win against Thailand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Shafali Verma's remarkable half-century played a crucial role in setting up the victory, while the bowlers effectively dismantled the Thai batting order.

Chasing a target of 160 runs, Thailand struggled and were bowled out for just 65 runs in 16.1 overs. Nannapat Koncharoenkai was the standout performer for Thailand, scoring 41 runs off 48 balls.

India opted to bat first and started strong, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 19 runs off 10 balls before being run out.

Pratika Rawal, in her T20I debut, contributed 22 runs off 18 balls before Shafali took charge of the innings.

Shafali's explosive performance included 64 runs off 36 balls, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, marking her 19th T20I half-century and giving India a solid foundation.

At one point, India was cruising at 91/1 after 8.5 overs, but a sudden collapse saw them drop to 137/9 by the end of 17.2 overs, with several players falling victim to soft dismissals, including Deepti Sharma, who was also run out.

Suleeporn Laomi from Thailand emerged as the leading bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 26 runs in her four overs, including the crucial wicket of Deepti.

Despite the collapse, Kranti Gaud provided a late boost, scoring 15 runs off eight balls, helping India reach 159 all out, a defendable total for their bowlers.

The Indian bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma, maintained pressure on the Thai batsmen, taking wickets consistently and restricting them to 65 runs in just over 16 overs.

Koncharoenkai's resistance was commendable, but with little support from her teammates, India comfortably secured a 94-run victory.