India launched their Asia Cup 2026 campaign in Dubai with an emphatic 94-run victory over Thailand, powered by a blistering half-century from Shafali Verma and disciplined bowling from Nandni Sharma and Deepti Sharma. Asked to bat first, India bolted out of the gates as Verma hammered 64 off just 36 deliveries. Opening partner Smriti Mandhana set the early tempo with four quick boundaries in a 10-ball cameo, pushing India to 38 within three overs. Debutant Pratika Rawal then anchored alongside Verma to guide the side to 65 runs inside the powerplay. Thailand’s bowlers mounted a spirited fightback midway through the innings after Suleeporn Laomi bowled Rawal with a low delivery to break a 50-run stand. Laomi’s breakthrough sparked a middle-order collapse, causing India to tumble from 91 for 1 to 137 for 9 across a 50-ball span. Tailender Kranti Gaud provided a late lift, striking key boundaries to add 22 runs in the closing overs and take India to a competitive total of 159. Thailand’s chase faltered immediately as Gaud struck in the opening over to remove Nattakam Chantam. India’s bowling unit dominated the contest thereafter: Deepti Sharma and Nandni Sharma: Tore through the lineup with three wickets each. Sree Charani: Provided vital breakthroughs with two wickets. Thailand’s Batting Lineup: Bundled out for just 65 runs. Only Nannapat Koncharoenkai offered resistance with a measured 41 off 48 balls, while no other batter reached double digits. Post navigation Namibia Shocks South Africa by 18 Runs to Extend Perfect T20I Streak Duleep Trophy Semi-Final: Sarkar, Mukesh Put East Zone on Top as Central Fold for 266
