India Women Thrash Thailand by 94 Runs in Women's Asia Cup 2026 Opener

India Women made a winning start to their Women's Asia Cup 2026 title defence, beating Thailand Women by 94 runs in Dubai. Shafali Verma led the way with the bat, and India's bowlers followed it up with a disciplined display in the field.

Put in to bat after Thailand won the toss, India were powered by a brisk 64 off 36 balls from Shafali Verma, who struck eight fours and three sixes at the top of the order. Smriti Mandhana chipped in with 19, and Pratika Rawal added 22 on her T20I debut for the team, having been called up as a replacement for the injured Jemimah Rodrigues. India were eventually restricted to 159 for 9, with Suleeporn Laomi the pick of Thailand's bowlers, finishing with 3 for 26.

Chasing 160, Thailand never got their innings going. Kranti Gaud struck early with the new ball, and Nandni Sharma was the standout performer, taking 3 for 18 to rip through the middle order. Nannapat Koncharoenkai put up the lone fight for Thailand, top-scoring with 41 off 48 balls, but ran out of partners as wickets fell around her. Thailand were bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs, with Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani also among the wickets.

The win gives India two points from their Group A opener and sends an early statement as the defending champions look to reclaim the title. India next face Hong Kong, China Women on September 3, before a blockbuster group clash against arch-rivals Pakistan Women on September 5, with both fixtures also to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.