Dubai Demolition: Shafali Verma's Fireworks and Spin Trio Power India to 94-Run Win Over Thailand

Opening games in a tournament set the tone, and India's Women in Blue began their Asia Cup campaign with a clinical statement in Dubai. Even after a middle-order hiccup against disciplined Thai spin, India's bowling attack showed zero mercy, bundling out Thailand for 65 to secure a commanding 94-run victory.

DailyCricInfo brings you the full, unvarnished match report from the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Shafali's Blitz vs Laomi's Fightback

Asked to bat first, India started in fifth gear.

Shafali Verma took down the bowling attack with sheer power. She smashed 64 off just 36 deliveries, peppering the ropes with eight boundaries and three towering sixes. Alongside Smriti Mandhana (19 off 10) and debutant Pratika Rawal (22 off 18), India blazed away to 91 for 1 in the ninth over, eyeing a 200-plus total.

But here is the catch, Thailand's legspinner Suleeporn Laomi completely flipped the script.

Laomi bowled a sensational spell, bagging 3 for 26 to trigger a dramatic collapse. India slid from 108 for 2 to 137 for 9 in a frantic 30-ball window. It took late boundary-hitting from Kranti Gaud (15*) and Shree Charani to haul India to 159 for 9.

Bowlers Put on a Clinic

Chasing 160 against a world-class bowling attack was always a mountain too steep for Thailand.

Kranti Gaud struck in the very first over, castling Natthakan Chantham. Nandani Sharma tore through the top and lower order with brilliant figures of 3 for 18, while left-arm spinner Shree Charani stifled the batters with 2 for 10.

Nannapat Koncharoenkai played a lone hand with 41 off 48 balls. But once Deepti Sharma entered the attack, the game ended in a flash. Deepti claimed 3 wickets in just 7 deliveries without conceding a single run (3 for 0 in 1.1 overs) to skittle Thailand for 65 in 16.1 overs.

Shafali Verma took home the Player of the Match award as India locked in two vital points.

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