Dubai : India defeated Thailand by 94 runs in their opening game of Asia Cup 2026 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
Batting first, India lost Smriti Mandhana (10) early on 38 runs. This small knock however took her to 2nd spot in the list of Leading run scorers in Women’s International Cricket with 10750 runs, just behind former Indian legend Mithali Raj’s 10868. Smriti overtook former New Zealand great Suzie Bates who has 10740 runs to her name.
Shafali Verma launched an assault from other end scoring blistering 64(36) with 8 boundaries and 3 sixes despite no support from other end.
However, after her dismissal on 112, the scenario changed for India. The middle order completely collapsed from 112-2 to 159-9 (20) in last 5 overs. The score which looked big once was restricted to just an above par one. Ironically, India scored 65 runs inside powerplay which is fastest in Women’s Asia Cup history.
Defending 160 runs, Indian bowlers with likes of Deepti Sharma (3/0), Nandni Sharma (3/18) picked 3 wickets each while Shree Charani (2/10) claimed 2 wickets, completing her 29th wicket in the calendar year of 2026.
Deepti in the process became Leading Wicket taker in Women’s T20Is with 171 scalps to her name surpassing Thailand’s Thipatcha.
India bundled out Thailand on just 65 runs, winning by 94 runs and Shafali was awarded Player of the Match for her heroic knock.
Despite the win, there are broader questions to answer regarding India’s middle order ahead of their clash against Hong Kong China on September 3.
Brief Scorecard –
INDW : 159/9 (20)
THAIW : 65 (16.1)
Result : India Women win by 94 runs.
