In Match 3 of Group A at the DP World Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Team India opened their campaign with a convincing 94-run victory over Thailand.
After Thailand elected to field, India posted 159/9 in 20 overs, powered by opener Shafali Verma’s explosive 56. Despite a spirited mid-innings collapse triggered by Thailand’s wrist spinner Thipatcha Putthawong and Sunida Chaturongrattana, India’s total proved far too steep. In reply, Thailand was bundled out for 65 in 16.3 overs, with off-spinner Deepti Sharma delivering a record-setting three-wicket spell.
DP World Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026: Shafali Verma’s Blitz and Deepti Sharma’s Record-Breaking Spell Secure India’s 94-Run Win Over Thailand
Match Summary & Key Statistics
| Match Parameter / Phase | Score & Details |
| Match / Venue | Match 3 (Group A), Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 (Dubai) |
| Toss Result | Thailand won the toss and elected to field |
| India 1st Innings | 159/9 in 20.0 Overs (Shafali Verma 56, Pratika Rawal 22, Kranti Gaur 14*) |
| Thailand Bowlers | Thipatcha Putthawong 3/28, Sunida Chaturongrattana 2/18 |
| Thailand 2nd Innings | 65 all out in 16.3 Overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 18) |
| India Bowlers | Deepti Sharma 3/9, Shree Charani 2/11, Kranti Gaur 1/14 |
| Result | India won by 94 runs |
India’s Innings: Shafali Verma’s Powerplay Blitz
Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma began with aggressive intent. Mandhana drove effortlessly through the off-side before a sharp direct hit from the field ended her stay prematurely for 14.
- Shafali’s 19th T20I Half-Century: Shafali dominated the powerplay, launching maximums straight over the bowler’s head and rocking back to pull short deliveries. She reached her 19th T20I half-century off just 34 balls, finishing with a top score of 56.
- Pratika Rawal’s Support: Debutant Pratika Rawal provided steady support, scoring 22 with fluent drives before leg-spinner Suliporn Laomi castled her stump.
- Thailand’s Mid-Innings Fightback: Thailand executed a dramatic middle-order fightback. Thipatcha Putthawong and Sunida Chaturongrattana triggered a collapse, reducing India from 112/2 to 137/9 within a span of four overs.
- Late Cameo by Kranti Gaur: No. 10 batter Kranti Gaur smashed a crucial six and a boundary off the final over to push India past the 150-run mark, setting a competitive target of 160.
Thailand’s Chase: Indian Spinners Dominate
Chasing 160, Thailand struggled against India’s disciplined pace and spin attack right from the outset.
- Early Seam Breakthrough: Seamer Kranti Gaur provided the initial breakthrough by bowling Natthakan Chantham off an inside edge.
- Middle-Order Collapse: Left-arm spinner Shree Charani broke Thailand’s brief resistance by trapping Nannapat Koncharoenkai (18) and inducing top-edges from the middle order.
- Deepti Sharma’s Milestone: Off-spinner Deepti Sharma systematically dismantled Thailand’s lower middle order, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs in her spell. With these wickets, Deepti cemented her position as the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20 International history.
- Fielding Highlights: Sharp direct-hit run-outs by Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma eliminated any hopes of a Thailand comeback, wrapping up their innings for 65 in 16.3 overs.
Post-Match Outlook
With a net run rate boost from this 94-run victory, India sits comfortably at the top of Group A in the Asia Cup standings. India’s dominant bowling performance, combined with Shafali’s aggressive form, sets a strong foundation as they prepare for their next group stage fixture.
Cricket fans can stream full match highlights on the official Sony LIV YouTube Channel
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