Shafali Verma’s swashbuckling 64 powers India Women to commanding win over Thailand

India Women delivered a dominant display, defeating Thailand Women by 94 runs in a Group A encounter of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After being asked to bat first, India compiled 159/9 in their 20 overs, with Shafali Verma anchoring the innings with a scintillating 64 off 36 deliveries. Thailand’s batting lineup faltered under India’s disciplined bowling, collapsing to 65 in 16.1 overs.

Verma’s fireworks set India a competitive target

Thailand Women won the toss and chose to field first, but India’s openers swiftly applied pressure. Smriti Mandhana gave the side a rapid start, tallying 19 off 10 balls including four boundaries before being dismissed. Shafali then seized control, blending elegant timing with aggressive strokeplay. Her 36-ball 64 contained eight fours and three sixes, injecting vital momentum during the powerplay and middle overs. After playing a pivotal role in establishing the target, she was eventually out and subsequently awarded Player of the Match.

Pratika Rawal offered solid support, making 22 off 18 balls, including two fours and a six. Despite the early burst, India lost wickets at regular intervals, curbing their ability to post a larger total. Harmanpreet Kaur managed five, while Bharti Fulmali added 13 from 14 deliveries. The tail contributed valuable runs: Prema Rawat struck six, Shree Charani made six, and Kranti Gaud supplied a late flourish, scoring 15 off just eight balls with a four and a six. India closed their innings at 159/9 from their 20 overs.

Suleeporn Laomi was Thailand’s most effective bowler, finishing with three wickets for 26 runs from four overs. Sunida Chaturongrattana also made inroads, claiming two wickets for 31 runs, while Thipatcha Putthawong and Chanida Sutthiruang each secured one wicket. Although Thailand attempted to contain India in the later stages, Shafali’s aggressive knock had already laid a solid foundation.

Thailand crumble under India’s bowling onslaught

In pursuit of 160, Thailand failed to build any sustained momentum. Natthakan Chantham fell early for four, while Phannita Maya added six. Nannapat Koncharoenkai provided the sole notable resistance, scoring 41 off 48 balls with five boundaries. India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, causing wickets to fall at regular intervals. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sutthiruang, and Naomi Hamilton were unable to forge meaningful partnerships, leaving Thailand heavily reliant on Koncharoenkai.

The lower order also succumbed to India’s assault. Laomi managed six off 15 balls, but Thailand were ultimately bundled out for 65 in 16.1 overs, finishing 94 runs short of the target.

Nandani Sharma led India’s bowling attack, securing three wickets for 18 runs from four overs, while Shree Charani took two for just 10. Kranti Gaud added one wicket for 26 runs. Deepti Sharma delivered the final blow, delivering a spectacular spell of 3/0 from 1.1 overs. Prema Rawat was also economical, finishing with 0/11 from four overs. India’s clinical bowling performance ensured Thailand never threatened the target, sealing a convincing 94-run win.

Shafali Verma’s classy knock earns her the 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 in Match 3️⃣#DPWorldWomensAsiaCup2026 #INDWvTHAIW #ACC pic.twitter.com/1BsO94Rtcc

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) August 30, 2026

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