India opened their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 94-run victory over Thailand in Dubai. Shafali Verma’s attacking 64 set up India’s 159/9 before Deepti Sharma produced a sensational 3/0 spell to help dismiss Thailand for 65 in 16.1 overs.

Shafali Verma Fifty

Asked to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India made a brisk start through Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Mandhana struck 19 from 10 balls before being run out, but Shafali continued to attack and kept the scoreboard moving at a strong pace.

The opener smashed 64 from just 36 deliveries, hitting eight fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 177.78. Her innings gave India early control and earned her the Player of the Match award. Pratika Rawal, playing her first game, contributed 22 from 18 balls and shared an important second-wicket stand with Shafali.

India Batting Collapse

Despite the strong start, India’s middle order once again showed signs of vulnerability. After reaching 108/3, the side lost wickets quickly as Thailand’s spinners pulled the contest back.

Suleeporn Laomi caused the most damage, removing Shafali and Richa Ghosh in successive deliveries. India eventually slipped to 159/9 after appearing set for a much larger total. Kranti Gaud’s unbeaten 15 from eight balls provided a useful late push and helped India finish with a competitive score.

Thailand Chase Falters

Thailand never settled during the chase. Their batters struggled against India’s disciplined spin and pace attack as wickets fell regularly.

Nannapat Koncharoenkai offered the only sustained resistance, scoring 41 from 48 balls with five boundaries. She received little support from the other end, and Thailand were eventually bowled out for 65 in 16.1 overs. The result gave India a dominant 94-run win and an early boost to their net run rate.

Deepti Sharma 3/0

Deepti Sharma delivered the standout bowling performance on a milestone night. Playing her 150th T20I, the all-rounder took three wickets without conceding a run in 1.1 overs.

Her remarkable spell included a double-wicket maiden and helped close out Thailand’s innings quickly. Deepti’s performance also took her to 171 T20I wickets, making her the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 international cricket at the time.

Nandni Sharma also impressed with 3/18, while Sree Charani picked up two wickets for 10 runs. India’s varied bowling attack left Thailand with no opportunity to build a meaningful partnership.

Asia Cup Winning Start

The margin of victory gives India an ideal statistical start to the tournament, but the batting collapse will remain a concern for the team management. India lost six wickets for only 29 runs during the middle and late overs, a weakness stronger opposition could exploit later in the competition.

Still, Shafali’s aggressive batting and Deepti’s record-breaking spell ensured India controlled the match when it mattered most. With two points and a healthy net run rate, India begin their Women’s Asia Cup campaign with momentum while knowing there is room to improve before the tougher group-stage contests ahead.