Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma lead India to dominant win over Thailand in Women’s Asia Cup 2026

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India Women produced a commanding performance to defeat Thailand Women by 94 runs in their Group A clash of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After being sent in to bat, India posted 159/9 in 20 overs, with Shafali Verma leading the charge with a brilliant 64 off 36 balls. Thailand struggled to cope with India’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs.

Thailand Women won the toss and opted to bowl first, but India’s openers immediately put pressure on the bowling attack. Smriti Mandhana provided a brisk start, scoring 19 from 10 balls with four boundaries before departing. Shafali then took control of the innings, combining clean strokeplay with aggressive hitting. Her 36-ball 64 featured eight fours and three sixes, giving India the momentum they needed in the powerplay and middle overs. She was eventually dismissed after playing a key role in setting up the total and was later named Player of the Match.

Pratika Rawal added useful support with 22 off 18 balls, including two fours and a six. However, India lost wickets regularly after the strong start, preventing them from reaching an even bigger score. Harmanpreet Kaur made five, while Bharti Fulmali contributed 13 from 14 deliveries. The lower order chipped in with valuable runs as Prema Rawat scored six, Shree Charani made six and Kranti Gaud provided a late boost with 15 from just eight balls, including a four and a six. India eventually finished on 159/9 from their allotted 20 overs.

Suleeporn Laomi was Thailand’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 26 runs from her four overs. Sunida Chaturongrattana also made an impact with two wickets for 31 runs, while Thipatcha Putthawong and Chanida Sutthiruang picked up one wicket each. Despite Thailand’s efforts to restrict India during the latter stages, Shafali’s aggressive innings had already given the Indian side a strong platform.

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Chasing 160, Thailand never managed to build sustained momentum. Natthakan Chantham fell for four early, while Phannita Maya contributed six. Nannapat Koncharoenkai offered the only significant resistance, scoring 41 from 48 balls with five boundaries. India’s bowlers continued to apply pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sutthiruang and Naomi Hamilton failed to establish partnerships, leaving Thailand increasingly dependent on Koncharoenkai.

The lower order could not withstand India’s attack either. Laomi made six from 15 balls, but Thailand were eventually dismissed for 65 in 16.1 overs, falling 94 runs short of the target.

Nandani Sharma spearheaded India’s bowling effort with three wickets for 18 runs from her four overs, while Charani claimed two wickets for just 10 runs. Gaud also picked up one wicket while conceding 26 runs. Deepti Sharma delivered the decisive blow at the end of the innings, producing a remarkable spell of 3/0 from just 1.1 overs. Prema Rawat was economical as well, finishing with 0/11 from four overs. India’s comprehensive bowling display ensured that Thailand never came close to challenging the target, sealing a convincing 94-run victory.

Shafali Verma’s classy knock earns her the 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 in Match 3️⃣#DPWorldWomensAsiaCup2026 #INDWvTHAIW #ACC

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) August 30, 2026

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.