Cricket / India Eye Continental Glory in Women’s Asia Cup as They Kick off Campaign against Thailand

New Delhi, Aug 29: The Indian women’s team head into the Asia Cup in the UAE determined to shake off the complacency that haunted them in 2024 and reclaim their dominance on the continental stage.

The tournament began on Friday with Thailand securing a confident win over Hong Kong China, but the spotlight now shifts to the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side — the competition’s most decorated team — who will open their campaign against Thailand on Sunday.

India arrive at the Asia Cup after back‑to‑back group‑stage exits at the T20 World Cup, despite the high of an unprecedented ODI world crown.

Also read: Odisha T20 League 2026 to Kick Off on Sep 18, Final on Sep 27

The squad remains largely unchanged from the World Cup in England earlier this year, with notable absentees Yastika Bhatia, Shreyanka Patil (fitness) and Jemimah Rodrigues (hamstring injury).

Pratika Rawal’s maiden T20I call‑up as Rodrigues’ replacement has raised eyebrows, given her last T20 appearance came in November 2024. Yastika has been dropped, while leg‑spinner Prema Rawat, who filled in for Shreyanka at the World Cup, retains her spot.

The bowling unit continues to be spearheaded by Renuka Singh, supported by Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma. The spin department features Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani. Vaishnavi Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar and Asha Sobhana have missed out on selection.

Team composition will be closely watched, especially who fills Rodrigues’ No.3 role. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma are expected to open, while Pratika Rawal or Kamalini could slot in at first drop.

Harmanpreet, Deepti, Richa Ghosh and Bharti Fulmali are likely to anchor the middle order. Radha Yadav and Charani will be in contention if India opt for two spinners.

Thailand, meanwhile, enter the clash brimming with confidence. They clinched the Women’s Premier Cup in June by beating the UAE and have already started the Asia Cup strongly.

Left‑arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong, the highest wicket‑taker in women’s T20I history with 169 scalps, surpassed India’s Deepti Sharma with figures of 1‑23 against Hong Kong. Off‑spinner Onnicha Kamchomphu also impressed, taking 3‑27 and reaching her 150th T20I wicket.

With wicket‑keeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai, their leading run‑scorer with 2806 runs, alongside Phannita Maya and Natthakan Chantham, Thailand will be eager to test India’s resolve. For Harmanpreet’s side, Sunday’s fixture offers not just a chance to start strong, but also to showcase intent in team selection and strategy as they chase yet another Asia Cup crown.

MATCH DETAILS

Date & Time: Sunday, 8:30 PM IST

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Telecast & Stream: Sony Sports Network, SonyLiv

THE SQUADS

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh, N Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma.

Thailand: Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Natthakan Chantham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Phannita Maya, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Thanrada Seesawan, Naomi Hamilton.

(IANS)