Shafali, Bowlers Shine as India Defeat Thailand by 94 Runs in Asia Cup Opener

India opened their Women’s Asia Cup campaign with a dominant 94-run win over Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, but the victory came with a familiar warning sign — another collapse in the batting department.

Put into bat, India made an explosive start and raced to 65/1 in the powerplay. Smriti Mandhana struck four boundaries in her 19 off 10 balls before being run out while going for a second run. Debutant Pratika Rawal then added 22 off 18 deliveries to keep India moving.

Shafali Verma was the star of India’s early assault. The opener reached her 19th T20I half-century in only 26 balls, taking India to 101/2 after 10 overs. With Shafali well set, India appeared to be heading towards a total of 180 or more.

But Thailand suddenly turned the contest around.

Rawal’s dismissal in the ninth over triggered India’s slide, and Shafali soon followed after being caught and bowled by Suleeporn Laomi for a superb 64 off 36 balls. Her innings included eight fours and three sixes.

Laomi continued to trouble India, removing Richa Ghosh for a golden duck to complete a three-wicket haul. She finished with impressive figures of 3/26.

India’s middle order struggled to cope with the pressure. Harmanpreet Kaur scored just five from nine balls, while Deepti Sharma was run out for five. India went from 112/4 to 137/9, losing five wickets for only 25 runs.

Kranti Gaud eventually provided the late boost India needed, smashing an unbeaten 15 off eight balls, including a six and a four, to lift the score to 159/9.

DEEPTI LEADS INDIA’S BOWLING DEMOLITION

If India’s batting threatened to let Thailand back into the contest, their bowlers ensured there was no such comeback.

Kranti Gaud struck early to dismiss Natthakan Chantham, while Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani kept the pressure on Thailand’s batters. Nandani claimed 3/18, including two wickets in two balls, and Charani finished with 2/10.

Prema Rawat also impressed with the ball, conceding just 11 runs from her four overs.

The biggest highlight came from Deepti Sharma, who marked her 150th T20I appearance with a stunning spell of 3/0 in 1.1 overs. She took a wicket with her very first delivery, claimed two wickets in her opening three balls and then returned to dismiss Nannapat Koncharoenkai for the final wicket.

That final dismissal also saw Deepti create history, as she surpassed Thailand captain Thipatcha Putthawong to become the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20I cricket. Nannapat offered Thailand their only meaningful resistance, scoring 41 off 48 balls with five fours. But with wickets falling regularly at the other end, Thailand’s chase never gained momentum.

They were eventually bowled out for 65 in 16.1 overs, handing India a comprehensive 94-run victory. India’s bowling display was outstanding, though two dropped catches highlighted an area that still needs attention. Against stronger opposition, such lapses could prove far more expensive.

The victory puts India at the top of Group A. With Hong Kong next and a much-anticipated clash against Pakistan potentially looming, India will need to address their batting collapse and sharpen their fielding despite the convincing opening win.