India Women’s Asia Cup Campaign Begins with 159 Run Total

The Indian women's cricket team kicked off their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a 159‑run total against Thailand at Dubai International Stadium. After conceding the toss, the side sent in openers Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma, who put together a brisk 38‑run stand in 18 balls. Mandhana’s 19 runs came off just 10 deliveries, featuring four boundaries, before she was dismissed. Verma then forged a 53‑run partnership with Pratika Rawat, scoring 53 from 36 balls while Rawat added 22 off 18. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a quick 5‑run cameo before falling in the 11.3 over, after which wickets fell at regular intervals: Verma, Richa Ghosh, Dapti Sharma, Bharati Fulmali and Prema Rawat. The lower order, Kranti Gawad (15* off 15) and Shri Charani (6* off 6), added a steady 22 runs, allowing India to cross the 150‑run threshold. Thailand’s bowlers, led by Suliphorn Laomi (3/26) and Sunida Chaturongrat (2 wickets), claimed the remaining wickets, ending India’s innings at 159/9. The match also saw Dipti Sharma celebrate her 150th T20 International appearance, placing her third on the Indian list behind Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, and making her the 12th woman globally to reach this landmark.