India opened their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign with a convincing 94-run victory over Thailand on Sunday, overcoming a late batting collapse with a dominant bowling performance.
Shafali sets platform, India stumble late
India looked on course for a huge total after Shafali Verma smashed 64 off 36 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes. Alongside debutant Pratika 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, slipping to 137/9 as Thailand’s bowlers fought back. Leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi was the standout performer with 3/26. Kranti Gaud, unbeaten on 15, helped India push the total to 159/9.
India’s bowlers run riot
Thailand’s chase never really got going as India’s bowlers produced a clinical display. Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma struck early to remove Thailand’s openers before India’s spinners took control. Nandni finished with three wickets, while Deepti Sharma produced an extraordinary spell, taking 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 providing the only significant resistance.
Koncharoenkai fights lone battle
Koncharoenkai top-scored for Thailand with 41 off 48 balls, including five fours. She remained at the crease until the final wicket, but lacked support as wickets continued to fall around her. India ultimately wrapped up the contest with a 94-run victory, making a strong start to their Asia Cup campaign.Brief scores: 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, Shree Charani 2/10, Deepti Sharma 3/0) by 94 runs
