Deepti Sharma produced a performance to remember as India began their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 94-run victory over Thailand in Dubai.
The Indian all-rounder created history with an extraordinary bowling spell, taking three wickets without giving away a single run. Her figures of 3/0 not only helped India finish the match strongly but also took her to the top of the list of wicket-takers in Women’s T20I cricket.
Deepti entered the match already regarded as one of India’s most dependable players. The game was also special for her personally as she was playing her 150th T20I, becoming only the third Indian woman after Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana to reach the landmark.
India were asked to bat first and got off to a flying start, largely because of Shafali Verma. The opening batter played an aggressive innings of 64 from just 36 balls. She smashed eight fours and three sixes, attacking the Thailand bowlers from the beginning.
At one stage, India were comfortably placed at 100 for two after 10 overs and appeared to be heading towards a very big total. However, Thailand fought back strongly with the ball.
Suleeporn Laomi was the main reason for India’s middle-order problems. She removed several important batters, including Shafali and Richa Ghosh, and finished with three wickets. Thailand’s other spinners also kept the pressure on, and India suddenly went from a strong position to 137 for nine.
A late unbeaten contribution from Kranti Gaud helped India reach 159 for nine from their 20 overs. It was not the massive total India had looked capable of scoring earlier, but their bowlers soon showed that it was more than enough.
Thailand’s Chase Never Really Got Going
Thailand’s chase never really got going. India’s seamers made an early impact before the spinners took control. Nandani Sharma and Kranti Goud helped remove the opening batters, while Shree Charani continued the pressure with two wickets. Then came Deepti’s decisive spell.
She was introduced in the ninth over when Thailand were struggling at 44 for four. She immediately changed the game, taking two wickets in the over without conceding a run. Her accuracy and ability to turn the ball made it extremely difficult for the Thailand batters to score freely.
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Deepti returned later in the innings and completed her remarkable spell by dismissing Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who had been Thailand’s strongest resistance with a 41-run knock.
Thailand were eventually bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs, giving India a massive 94-run victory.
Deepti Sharma Creates History
The final wicket also completed Deepti’s historic milestone.
She entered the match level with Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong on 170 T20I wickets. Her three wickets took her career tally to 171, making her the outright leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20I cricket.
There was another remarkable aspect to her figures. A three-wicket haul without conceding a run had never previously been achieved by an Indian woman in a Women’s T20I. Deepti’s 3/0 therefore became one of the most economical bowling performances in India’s women’s T20I history.
What made the achievement even more impressive was the timing. Deepti reached the record while India were beginning an important Asia Cup campaign, rather than in a low-pressure match.
Her performance also highlighted why she remains such an important part of India’s team. She can contribute with both bat and ball, control the middle overs and create breakthroughs when the opposition is trying to build a partnership.
India will now look to build on this strong opening performance as the tournament continues. The victory over Thailand gave the team confidence, while Deepti’s record added another memorable chapter to her international career.
For India, the result was much more than just a comfortable win. It was a statement of intent, and Deepti Sharma’s historic spell made the opening night even more special.
