India Overcome Batting Collapse to Crush Thailand by 94 Runs

India made a winning start to their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign, defeating Thailand by 94 runs in Dubai despite suffering a dramatic middle-order collapse.

After being asked to bat first, India raced to 159 for 9, largely thanks to a brilliant 64 off 36 balls from Shafali Verma. The opener dominated the powerplay and appeared to have put India on course for a 200-plus total.

Shafali smashed 33 runs from just 17 balls during the powerplay and added 53 for the second wicket with debutant Pratika Rawal. She brought up her 19th T20I half-century from only 26 deliveries, taking India to 91 for 1 in 8.5 overs.

However, Thailand's spinners turned the game around. Suleeporn Laomi dismissed Rawal before removing Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali and Richa Ghosh to trigger a stunning collapse. India lost eight wickets for just 46 runs and slipped from 91 for 1 to 137 for 9.

Laomi finished with 3 for 26, while Sunida Chaturongrattana also picked up two wickets. India eventually crossed 150, with Kranti Gaud providing a late boost with a boundary and a six.

Despite India's collapse, their bowlers ensured there was never much doubt about the result.

Thailand struggled from the beginning of their chase, losing regular captain Naruemol Chaiwai to injury before the match. Natthakan Chantham, standing in as captain, was dismissed for just five balls into her innings.

Nandani Sharma struck soon after, while N Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma combined to take four wickets in four overs and destroy Thailand's hopes of a comeback.

Wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai provided the only significant resistance, scoring 41 from 48 balls. She was eventually dismissed by Deepti, who completed a memorable outing in her 150th T20I.

Thailand were bowled out for just 65, giving India a comprehensive 94-run victory.

Deepti claimed three wickets without conceding a run in seven deliveries and also became the leading wicket-taker in women's T20I cricket.

India's batting collapse highlighted familiar middle-order concerns, but their dominant bowling performance ensured they began their Asia Cup campaign with a convincing win.

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