2 days ago
Shafali Fifty Powers India’s Flying Start Against Thailand
India played Thailand in their first match of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026.
Thailand won the toss and decided to bowl first.
India started very quickly because Shafali Verma hit many boundaries.
She scored 50 runs from only 26 balls.
Smriti Mandhana also began well but was run out after making 19 runs.
Pratika Rawal made her T20I debut and scored 22 runs.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was later dismissed for five.
India were 108 for three after 12 overs when the reported updates ended.
India reached 101/2 after 10 overs after Thailand chose to bowl first.
Shafali Verma scored 50 from 26 balls, with six fours and three sixes in one report; another listed seven fours.
Smriti Mandhana was run out for 19 from 10 balls after hitting four boundaries.
T20I debutant Pratika Rawal made 22 from 18 balls before being bowled by Suleeporn Laomi.
Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed for five, leaving India 108/3 in the 12th over.
- Who
- India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, played Thailand, led by stand-in captain Thipatcha Putthawong.
- What
- India began their Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with an aggressive batting display against Thailand.
- Where
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- When
- August 30, 2026, with the live updates reporting India’s innings through the 12th over.
- Why
- India were seeking a strong start to the tournament after inconsistent T20I form, while Thailand aimed to restrict them and potentially cause an upset.
India’s Aggressive Approach
Thailand’s Restrictive Plan
Batting strategy
India’s Aggressive Approach
India attacked from the opening overs, with Shafali Verma reaching 50 from 26 balls and India passing 100 in the 10th over.
Thailand’s Restrictive Plan
Thailand chose to bowl first and said it wanted to restrict India to around 170.
Match expectations
India’s Aggressive Approach
India entered the tournament as strong favourites and were looking to begin with a convincing win.
Thailand’s Restrictive Plan
Thailand, coming off a win against Hong Kong, hoped to cause an upset against India.
Key facts
- Competition
- Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026
- Match
- India versus Thailand, Group A opener
- Toss
- Thailand won the toss and elected to bowl first
- India score
- 101/2 after 10 overs; 108/3 after 12 overs
- Top scorer
- Shafali Verma: 50 off 26 balls
- Thailand target
- Stand-in captain Thipatcha Putthawong said Thailand hoped to restrict India to around 170
- Next major group match
- India are scheduled to face Pakistan on September 5
Sources
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