31 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Shafali Verma smashed a belligerent 64 as India opened their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 94-run win over Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
India posted 159/9 after being asked to bat first before bowling Thailand out for just 65, making a strong start to the tournament.
Shafali Sets the Tone
Shafali was the standout batter for India, producing a powerful innings that kept the scoring rate high despite wickets falling at the other end.
India raced to 65 runs in the Powerplay, with Shafali ensuring the early dismissal of Smriti Mandhana did not derail the innings. Mandhana had contributed 19 off 10 balls before being run out.
Shafali took India’s score to 112 in 12.4 overs before she was dismissed, leaving the middle and lower order with the task of finishing strongly.
India Stumble After Shafali’s Dismissal
Despite the strong start, India struggled badly once Shafali departed.
The seven-time Asia Cup champions slipped from 112/3 to 137/9, managing only 47 runs from the final 44 deliveries. Thailand spinner Suleeporn Laomi was particularly effective, finishing with three wickets.
The collapse will concern India ahead of tougher matches, particularly given their dependence on the opening pair for runs.
Thailand Collapse Under Pressure
India’s bowlers made sure Thailand never came close to challenging the target.
Thailand were reduced to 65 all out, with Nannapat Koncharoenkai’s 41 the only substantial contribution from their batting lineup.
The gulf between the teams was evident, but India’s bowling attack still provided plenty of positives.
Nandani Sharma Makes an Impact
Fast bowler Nandani Sharma impressed on her Asia Cup outing, claiming 3/18 in four overs.
She had been preferred ahead of experienced options Renuka Thakur and Arundhati Reddy and justified the selection with an economical and incisive spell.
Deepti Sharma Creates History
Veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma also enjoyed a memorable match.
On her 150th T20I appearance, Deepti took 3 wickets, moving to the top of the women’s T20I wicket-takers’ list.
Her contribution with the ball ensured Thailand’s chase never gained momentum.
Shree Charani Continues Her Rise
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani added two wickets to India’s total.
Charani has increasingly become an important part of India’s bowling attack and has been among the most successful T20I bowlers from Test-playing nations in 2026.
A Convincing Win With Some Warning Signs
The 94-run margin provides India with a positive opening result, but the performance was not entirely flawless.
The dependence on Shafali and Mandhana at the top, combined with the middle-order collapse, could become a bigger concern against stronger teams.
India’s ability to maintain scoring momentum after the Powerplay will be closely watched as the tournament progresses.
Muzumdar’s Side Begins With a Statement
India entered the Asia Cup after a difficult run in T20Is, having suffered nine defeats in 16 matches during 2026 before the tournament.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar had wanted the team to use the Asia Cup to set the tone for the rest of the year. The opening victory provides an encouraging start, even if there are areas to improve.
India’s Next Challenge
The Thailand game offered India the ideal opportunity to build confidence, but the tougher tests are still ahead.
Against stronger attacks, India will need greater contributions from the middle order and more consistency with the bat if they are to challenge for another Asia Cup title.
For now, however, Shafali’s aggressive 64 and a disciplined bowling display have given the seven-time champions a winning start.
Brief Scores
India Women: 159/9 — Shafali Verma 64; Suleeporn Laomi 3/26
Thailand Women: 65 all out — Nannapat Koncharoenkai 41; Deepti Sharma 3/0
India won by 94 runs.