India began their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a comfortable 94-run victory over Thailand. Thailand won the toss and opted to bowl first, but India posted 159/9 to set a target of 160.
In reply, Thailand were bowled out for just 65 as India’s bowlers produced a dominant performance to seal a convincing win.
Here are the key takeaways from the match:
Shafali Verma’s Explosive Knock, Pratika Rawal Impresses on Debut
Shafali Verma took charge from the start, smashing 64 off just 36 balls, with eight fours and three sixes. Her aggressive approach kept India firmly in control and provided the innings with the momentum it needed before her dismissal.
Making her T20I debut, Pratika Rawal showed plenty of confidence and composure in her first outing for India. She scored a brisk 22 off 18 balls, including two fours and a six, and looked comfortable against Thailand’s bowlers.
Her promising debut came to an end when Suleeporn Laomi bowled her in the ninth over.
India Suffer Batting Collapse
India suffered a batting collapse after reaching 91/1, losing wickets in quick succession to slip to 112/5.
The collapse continued as India were eventually reduced to 137/9 in the 18th over before finishing on 159/9.
India’s innings fell apart after Shafali’s dismissal. Wickets tumbled quickly, with Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh also departing, while the run-outs of Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma added to India’s problems.
The Thai bowlers also deserve credit for their performance. They put the brakes on India’s scoring and picked up wickets at regular intervals. Laomi was particularly impressive with figures of 3/16, while Sunida Chaturongrattana chipped in with 2/31.
Deepti Sharma Leads India’s Bowling Charge
India’s bowlers produced a clinical performance to dismiss Thailand for just 65.
Deepti Sharma, playing her 150th T20I, was the standout performer. She began her spell with a double-wicket maiden and finished with remarkable figures of 3/0 in 1.1 overs.
The three wickets took Deepti to 171 wickets in Women’s T20Is, making her the leading wicket-taker in the format.
Nandani Sharma provided excellent support with 3/18, while Shree Charani claimed 2/10 as India’s bowling attack kept Thailand under pressure throughout the innings.
Nannapat Emerges as a Ray of Hope for Thailand
With wickets falling regularly around her, Nannapat Koncharoenkai stood firm and gave Thailand something to fight for.
She top-scored with a patient 41 off 48 balls, including five fours, and tried to anchor the innings as Thailand struggled against India’s bowling attack.
Despite Nannapat’s resistance, Thailand could not sustain their challenge and were eventually bowled out for 65, handing India a convincing 94-run victory in their opening match of the tournament.
Follow REVSPORTZ for more updates.
The post India Beat Thailand by 94 Runs in Women’s Asia Cup Opener appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
