India vs Thailand: Deepti Sharma Leads Dominant Asia Cup Win as Shafali Verma Stars
India began the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with a 94-run win over Thailand as Shafali Verma hit a half-century and Deepti Sharma starred with three wickets.
India began its Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Thailand by 94 runs at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. A commanding batting display, followed by a ruthless performance from the bowlers, ensured the three-time champions opened their title campaign with a convincing victory.
After being asked to bat first, India posted 159 for 9, with Shafali Verma leading the way with her 19th T20I half-century. Thailand struggled to cope with India's bowling attack during the chase and was eventually bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs.
Deepti Sharma was the standout performer with the ball, producing a remarkable spell on her 150th T20I appearance.
India's innings began with an aggressive opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The pair looked intent on putting Thailand under pressure from the outset, but India's progress was interrupted when Mandhana was run out following a direct hit.
That brought debutant Pratika Rawal to the crease, and the Delhi batter showed considerable composure on her T20I debut. Rawal scored 22 from 18 deliveries, adding 53 runs for the second wicket with Shafali. Her innings provided a glimpse of the qualities that have already made her an important part of India's ODI setup.
Rawal eventually departed, but Shafali continued to attack. The explosive opener reached her 19th T20I half-century, providing India with the major contribution at the top of the order. However, India suddenly found itself in trouble after reaching 108 for 3 in 11.3 overs.
India's innings suffered a dramatic collapse in the middle overs. After captain Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed for five, India lost six wickets for only 29 runs. Thailand leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi played a major role in the collapse, removing Shafali and Richa Ghosh off consecutive deliveries in the 13th over.
Pacer Chanida Sutthiruang also impressed, restricting India's scoring with an economical spell of 1 for 14 from three overs. At 137 for 9, India risked finishing with a below-par total despite its strong start. However, Kranti Gaud provided an important late contribution.
The young all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 15 from eight balls, helping India cross the 150-run mark and finish on 159 for 9. It proved more than enough.
Deepti Sharma produces a sensational spell
If India's batting had been uneven, its bowling was anything but. Thailand's chase never gained momentum as India's bowlers repeatedly struck at crucial moments.
The star of the innings was undoubtedly Deepti Sharma. Playing her 150th T20I, Deepti produced a stunning spell of 3 for 0 in 1.1 overs. She announced herself immediately by bowling a double-wicket maiden in the ninth over. The experienced all-rounder dismissed Naomi Hamilton and Nannaphat Chaihan with successive deliveries, putting Thailand under enormous pressure.
She later completed her three-wicket haul by removing Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who had been fighting almost a lone battle for the Thai side. Deepti's figures were remarkable: three wickets, 1.1 overs and not a single run conceded.
It was also a major milestone in her T20I career, as the three wickets took her to 171 wickets in women's T20Is, making her the leading wicket-taker in the format.
Thailand needed 160 to produce what would have been a major upset, but India's attack gave them virtually no opportunity. Wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai was the only Thai batter able to offer sustained resistance. She scored a determined 41 from 48 balls but lacked support at the other end as wickets continued to fall around her.
India's pace and spin combination proved too strong. Nandni Sharma claimed 3 for 18, while left-arm spinner N. Shree Charani returned impressive figures of 2 for 10 from three overs. Kranti Gaud also picked up one wicket to complete a comprehensive bowling effort.
Thailand eventually collapsed to 65 all out in 16.1 overs, handing India a huge 94-run victory.
The victory gives India an ideal beginning to its Women’s Asia Cup campaign. There were several positives for the team beyond the result. Shafali's half-century provided the foundation, Pratika Rawal made a confident international debut, and Deepti delivered one of the most memorable bowling performances of the opening round.
The victory also highlighted India's depth. Even after the middle-order collapse threatened to leave the team with a modest total, Kranti's late hitting ensured India reached a competitive score. The bowlers then turned that total into a comfortable victory.
For Thailand, Koncharoenkai's 41 was the lone bright spot in a difficult chase. For India, meanwhile, the result will provide confidence as the tournament moves forward.
The Women’s Asia Cup is expected to become increasingly competitive as India encounters stronger opponents, but the defending champions could hardly have asked for a more emphatic opening statement.
Deepti Sharma's record-breaking spell, Shafali Verma's 19th T20I fifty, and a composed debut from Pratika Rawal combined to give India a 94-run victory.
The message from the three-time champions was clear: India has arrived at the 2026 Asia Cup with their sights firmly set on the trophy.
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