Dubai: Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's cricket team will start its campaign in the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 against Thailand on Sunday, amid questions being raised about the consistency of the team's form and performance in recent times. This match to be held at Dubai International Stadium will start at 8 pm Indian time.
India will try to start the tournament with a big win. India have been dominant in the Asia Cup, but the recent T20 performance remains a matter of concern for the team.
India has been one of the most successful teams in the Women's T20 Asia Cup in the last decade. India has won the title three times in the five editions of the T20 format played since 2016-17.
However, recent performance has not been up to expectations. India has lost nine out of 16 T20 International matches played this year. The team's last defeat was against Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup, after which the Indian team was out of the group stage itself.
Questions have also been raised regarding the form of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her future in T20 cricket. She performed well against Australia after a disappointing Women's T20 World Cup, but lack of consistency in her batting remains a concern for the team.
After the Asia Cup, India also has to participate in the Asian Games to be held in Japan. In such a situation, special attention will be kept on the performance of the team in these two big tournaments.
The absence of reliable batsman Jemimah Rodrigues is a challenge for India. Pratika Rawal has been included in the team in her place. In Jemima's absence, there will be additional responsibility on the middle order.
India has strong batsmen like Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma in the top order. The challenge will be to maintain the rhythm and keep the scoring rate fast for the batsmen at number three and beyond.
Poor fielding was also a cause of concern in India's previous T20 matches. The team missed many important catches, which had a direct impact on the results.
If India has to remain a strong contender for the title in the Asia Cup and the subsequent Asian Games, then there will be immediate improvement in fielding.
In bowling, India's spin attack will be led by experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma. Along with him there are options like Shri Charani, Radha Yadav and Prema Rawat.
In fast bowling, Kranti Gaur, Arundhati Reddy and Nandini Sharma along with experienced Renuka Singh Thakur strengthen the team.
Thailand, on the other hand, will be boosted by their win against Hong Kong in their opening match. Batting first, the Thai team scored 120 runs for 9 wickets and then restricted Hong Kong to 114 runs for 7 wickets.
Captain Naruemol Chaiwai played an important inning of 43 runs. In bowling, Onnicha Kamchomphu took three wickets and Fanita Maya took two wickets.
There have been three T20 matches between India and Thailand so far and India has won all three.
In the Women's T20 Asia Cup, India has been placed in Group A along with Thailand, Hong Kong-China and Pakistan. India will face Thailand on August 30, followed by Hong Kong-China on September 3 and Pakistan on September 5.
The Indian team will not only be eyeing to cross the group stage but will also strengthen its title campaign in the tournament. The match against Thailand will be the first big opportunity for the team to gain momentum in its batting, bowling and especially fielding.
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (WK), Gunalan Kamalini (WK), Pratika Rawal, Shefali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaur, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Nandini Sharma, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav.
Thailand: Naruemol Chaiwai (captain), Nannaphat Chaihan, Natthakan Chantham, Naomi Hilton, Nannapat Konchroenkai (wk), Onnicha Kamchomphu, Phannita Maya, Chanida Suthiruang, Ephisara Suwanchorathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Chainisa Fengpan, Suleporn Laomi, Thipcha Puthavong, Thanrada Sisawan, Koranit Suwanchonrathi.
The match will start at 8:00 pm Indian time.
