India Women began their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign on a winning note, defeating Thailand Women by 94 runs in Dubai. After posting a competitive total with the bat, the Women in Blue produced a dominant bowling display to wrap up a comfortable victory.
The standout moment came from Deepti Sharma, who created a world record on her 150th T20I appearance. Shafali Verma had earlier set the platform for India with an explosive half-century before Thailand’s chase fell apart.
Shafali Verma gives India a flying start
India were off to a rapid start with Shafali leading the charge at the top of the order. The opener smashed 64 off 36 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes, and brought up her 19th T20I half-century from just 26 deliveries. Smriti Mandhana contributed 19 off 10 balls before being run out, while T20I debutant Pratika Rawal added 22 off 18 deliveries. India crossed 100 inside 10 overs but lost their momentum soon after.
Thailand fought back through leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi, who removed Shafali and Richa Ghosh in successive deliveries. India slipped from 108/2 to 137/9, losing seven wickets for 29 runs. Laomi finished with 3/26, while Sunida Chaturongrattana claimed 2/31. Kranti Gaud’s unbeaten 15 off eight balls provided a late boost as India finished on 159/9 after 20 overs.
Deepti Sharma scripts world record on landmark day
Deepti’s final figures of 3/0 from seven deliveries made the victory even more memorable. The three wickets took her Women’s T20I tally to 171, moving her past Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong, who now has 170 wickets. The Indian all-rounder also became the first Indian bowler to take three or more wickets without conceding a run in a Women’s T20I. Her 3/0 figures are the best by an Indian bowler taking at least three wickets in the format, surpassing Renuka Singh’s previous record of 3/5.
The landmark came on Deepti’s 150th T20I appearance, making her only the third Indian woman after Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti to reach the milestone. India will now look to build on their winning start when they face Hong Kong in their next Group A match.
Also READ: Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma lead India to dominant win over Thailand in Women’s Asia Cup 2026
India bowlers dismantle Thailand’s chase
Thailand struggled from the beginning of their reply as India’s bowlers kept picking up wickets. Kranti and Nandani Sharma struck early, while Shree Charani then helped dismantle the middle order. Nandani finished with 3/18 and Charani claimed 2/10 as Thailand slipped to 44/6.
Nannapat Koncharoenkai offered some resistance with 41, but the rest of the batting order could not provide enough support. Deepti then returned in the 17th over and dismissed Nannapat with her very first delivery. Thailand were eventually bowled out for 65 in 16.1 overs, handing India a 94-run victory.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.