Women's Asia Cup 2026: India Overcome Batting Collapse to Defeat Thailand by 94 Runs

India Women launched their Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a 94-run win over Thailand Women at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Despite a severe middle-order batting collapse, India's bowling unit defended their total of 159/9, bowling out Thailand for 65 runs in 16.1 overs.

Opting to bat first, India started strongly as openers Smriti Mandhana (19) and Shafali Verma set an aggressive tone. Shafali led the charge with a 36-ball 64, hitting eight boundaries and three sixes. Supported by debutant Pratika Rawal's 22, India reached 91/2 before Thailand's bowlers triggered a collapse. Off-spinner Suleeporn Laomi (3/26) and Sunida Chaturongrattana (2/31) spearheaded the fightback as India lost seven wickets for 30 runs, slumping to 137/9. A late cameo from Kranti Gaud, who scored an unbeaten 15 off eight balls, pushed India's final total to 159/9.

Thailand's run chase stumbled early as Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma dismantled their top order. Spinner Deepti Sharma delivered a decisive spell, taking 3 wickets for 0 runs in 1.1 overs. With this performance, Deepti became the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20I history with 171 wickets, surpassing Thailand captain Thipatcha Putthawong. Nandani Sharma contributed 3/18, while Shree Charani claimed 2/10.

Thailand's wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai provided sole resistance with a 48-ball 41, but lacked support from the other end as the team fell well short of the target.