India began their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Thailand by 94 runs at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, with Shafali Verma’s 19th T20I half-century followed by a dominant bowling display setting up a comprehensive win.
Chasing 160, Thailand were bowled out for 65 in 16.1 overs, with wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai providing the only significant resistance with a 48-ball 41.
Put in to bat, India made a brisk start. Smriti Mandhana scored 19 off 10 balls before being run out, while T20I debutant Pratika Rawal contributed a promising 22 off 18 balls.
Shafali then took charge, smashing 64 off 36 balls with eight fours and three sixes to register her 19th T20I half-century. India reached 91 for one in 8.5 overs and appeared set for a big total before losing wickets in quick succession.
The collapse saw India slip from 91 for one to 137 for nine by the 17.2-over mark, with all-rounder Deepti Sharma also falling to a run-out. Thailand’s Suleeporn Laomi was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 26 runs in four overs and playing a key role in Deepti’s dismissal with a direct hit.
Kranti Gaud provided India with a late boost, scoring 15 off eight balls to help the team reach 159 all out in 20 overs.
India’s bowlers then made short work of the chase, striking at regular intervals to restrict Thailand to 65. Deepti Sharma led the attack with three wickets for just one run, while Nanadani Sharma claimed three for 18.
Koncharoenkai’s 41 off 48 balls was the only substantial contribution from the Thailand batting line-up, as India wrapped up a comfortable 94-run victory.
Brief scores: India-W 159 all out in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 64, Pratika Rawal 22; Suleeporn Laomi 3-26, Sunida Chaturongrattan 2-31) beat Thailand-W 65 all out in 16.1 overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 41; Deepti Sharma 3-1, Nanadani Sharma 3-18) by 94 runs.
(IANS Inputs)
