India began their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Thailand by 94 runs at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Shafali Verma led the charge with a blistering 64 off 36 balls, registering her 19th T20I half-century, while debutant Pratika Rawal impressed with 22. India looked set for a huge total at 91/1 but collapsed to 137/9 before Kranti Gaud’s late cameo of 15 helped them reach 159 all out. Thailand’s chase never gained momentum, with only wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai offering resistance through a 41-run knock.
Deepti Sharma produced a sensational spell of 3/1, while Nanadani Sharma took 3/18 as Thailand were bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs.