India began its Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a 94-run win over Thailand in Dubai. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, scored 159 runs after being sent in to bat, while Thailand were bowled out for 65.
Thailand won the toss and opted to bowl first. India lost Smriti Mandhana early after she was run out for 19 off 10 balls. Shafali Verma then added 53 runs for the second wicket with Pratika Rawal, who was dismissed for 22. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored five runs from nine balls before returning to the pavilion.
Shafali remained at the crease and continued scoring quickly. She completed her half-century from 26 balls, making it one of the joint-fastest half-centuries in the history of the Women’s Asia Cup. She finished with 64 runs from 36 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of more than 177. Her innings helped India post 159 runs.
India set Thailand a target of 159 runs. Shafali’s innings formed a major part of India’s total, while the team’s other batters were unable to make major contributions, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Thailand struggled against India’s bowling from the start of the chase. In the first over, Kranti Goud bowled Nattakan Chantam for four runs to give India the opening wicket. Nandani Sharma then dismissed Phannita Maya for the second wicket.
During the powerplay, Shree Charani dismissed Afisara Suwanchonrathi and Chanida Sutthiruang. Thailand continued losing wickets at regular intervals and were unable to maintain the required scoring rate.
Deepti Sharma took three wickets, dismissing Naomi Kanokporn Hamilton lbw and Nannaphat Chaihan for a duck. Thailand had lost half of their team for 44 runs.
Nandani Sharma also claimed three wickets. In the 15th over, she dismissed Sulleporn Laomi and Sunida Chaturangratana on consecutive deliveries. Shree Charani took two wickets, while one Thailand batter was run out.
Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scored for Thailand with 41 runs, but she did not receive enough support from the other end. Thailand were bowled out for 65 runs.
The match was also Deepti Sharma’s 150th T20 international appearance. She became the third Indian cricketer to play 150 or more women’s T20 internationals, after Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Deepti marked her 150th T20 international with three wickets.
