Dubai, August 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Thailand won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in their 2026 Women’s Asia Cup Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, with Pratika Rawal making her T20I debut for the seven-time champions.
India are beginning their continental campaign against Thailand, who enter the match after a narrow victory over Hong Kong China. India have dominated their previous three T20I meetings with Thailand, winning each encounter by substantial margins.
Rawal, who has already represented India in ODIs and Tests, was brought into the Asia Cup squad as a replacement for Jemimah Rodrigues after the latter suffered a hamstring injury.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the team had also considered bowling first but was comfortable with the decision to bat.
“We also thought of bowling first, but batting first is also not a problem. It is our first match in Dubai. Rather than keeping a lot of things in mind, it’s about going out there and giving our best,” Harmanpreet said.
“Today Pratika is making her debut because Jemi is not there. Playing good cricket is what we want to do. We have spoken about being ruthless and this is an important tournament for us,” she added.
Thailand are being led by Thipatcha Putthawong in the absence of regular captain Nannapat Koncharoenkai, who is injured. Putthawong said her side would aim to restrict India to below 170.
“We are going to bowl first. Nothing more than 170 (to keep India to). Yes, we are excited (to play against India),” she said.
The match is also a landmark occasion for India’s Deepti Sharma, who is playing her 150th T20I. She becomes only the third Indian cricketer to reach the milestone after Harmanpreet Kaur, with 202 appearances, and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, with 171.
Deepti is also the 12th player in the history of women’s cricket to feature in 150 T20Is.
Playing XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma.
Thailand: Natthakan Chantham, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong (captain), Phannita Maya, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannaphat Chaihan, Naomi Hamilton.
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