Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Shafali Verma Smashes 64 as India Set Thailand a 160-Run Target

India have begun their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign against Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the Indian women’s team aiming for a strong start to their tournament. Thailand won the toss and opted to bowl first. India scored 159 runs in their innings, setting Thailand a target of 160 runs for victory. Thailand’s Suleeporn Laomi was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets. Opening batter Shafali Verma produced the standout performance for India, scoring a brilliant 64 runs from 36 balls. Her aggressive innings included eight fours and three sixes, helping India make a positive start with the bat. India got off to a strong beginning at the Dubai International Stadium, although the team could not cross the 200-run mark. The top three batters contributed 105 runs in total. Smriti Mandhana scored 22 runs, Shafali Verma made 64, while Pratika Rawal contributed 22. Playing XIs India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Bharati Fulmali, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sri Charani, Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma. Thailand: Apisara Suwanchonrathi, Phannita Maya, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wicketkeeper), Natthakan Chantam, Chanida Sutthiruang, Naomi Hamilton, Suleeporn Laomi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Onnicha Kamchomphu and Thipatcha Putthawong (captain).