India made a commanding start to their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign on Sunday, securing a comprehensive 94-run victory over Thailand. While the Indian batting lineup experienced a turbulent finish to their innings, a clinical display from the bowling unit ensured a comfortable result to open their tournament account.
The foundation for the victory was laid by Shafali Verma, who delivered a blistering knock of 64 from just 36 deliveries. Her aggressive approach, which included eight boundaries and three sixes, allowed India to maintain a rapid scoring rate early on. Supported by debutant Pratika Rawal, who contributed 22 off 18 balls, and Smriti Mandhana’s quick-fire 19, India appeared set for a massive total as they reached 101/2 by the halfway mark.
Batting Stumble Followed by Bowling Masterclass
Despite the strong start, India’s momentum faltered significantly in the latter half of the innings. After reaching 108/2, the side suffered a dramatic collapse, losing wickets in quick succession to finish on 159/9. Thailand’s leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi proved particularly difficult to handle, claiming 3/26, while Sunida Chaturongrattana added 2/31. A late, unbeaten 15 from Kranti Gaud was vital in pushing India’s total to a defendable 159.
The target proved far too steep for Thailand, whose chase was dismantled by a disciplined Indian attack. Early breakthroughs from Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma put the opposition on the back foot immediately. Nandni Sharma finished the match with impressive figures of 3/18, but it was Deepti Sharma who stole the headlines. Producing a remarkable spell, she claimed 3/0 in just 1.1 overs, a performance that saw her become the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20I cricket.
Nannapat Koncharoenkai provided the only real resistance for Thailand, anchoring the innings with a patient 41 off 48 balls. However, with no other batter offering significant support, the team was eventually bowled out for 65 in 16.1 overs. Alongside the standout performances of Deepti and Nandni, Shree Charani also contributed effectively with the ball, taking 2/10 to help seal the 94-run win.
