Shafali’s 64, Deepti’s 3/0 help India open Women’s Asia Cup campaign with convincing 94-run win over Thailand

India beat Thailand by 94 runs (Image: X/Cricbuzz) India began their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign with a convincing 94-run win over Thailand on Sunday, overcoming a late batting collapse with a dominant bowling performance.

Shafali sets the platform, India stumbles late

India were looking on course for a huge total after Shafali Verma smashed 64 off 36 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes. Alongside debutant Pratik Rawal, who made 22 off 18, Shafali helped India race to 101/2 after 10 overs.Smriti Mandhana contributed 19 off 10 balls but was run out after hitting four boundaries. However, India lost their way dramatically after reaching 108/2 and slipped to 137/9 as the Thai bowlers fought back. Top bowler Suleeporn Laomi was outstanding with 3/26. Kranti Gaud, unbeaten on 15, helped India push the total to 159/9.

Indian bowlers run riot

Thailand’s chase never really got going as the Indian bowlers put up a clinical display. Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma struck early to remove the Thai openers before the Indian spinners took control. Nandni finished with three wickets while Deepti Sharma produced an extraordinary spell to take 3/0 in 1.1 overs.Deepti’s three-wicket haul also saw her become the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20I cricket. Thailand struggled to cope with India’s attack and were eventually bowled out for just 65, with Nannapat Koncharoenkai the only significant resistance.

Koncharoenkai is fighting a lonely battle

Koncharoenkai top-scored for Thailand with 41 off 48 balls, including five fours. She stayed in goal until the last wicket but lacked support as wickets kept falling around her. India eventually ended the competition with a 94-run victory, a strong start to their Asia Cup campaign.Short Score: India Women 159/9 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 64; Suleeporn Laomi 3/26, Sunida Chaturongrattana 2/31) beat Thailand Women 65 in 16.1 overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 41; Nandani Sharma 3/18, 2 runs/00 Sharma 94/00)