Indian opener Shafali Verma praised the rapid growth of women’s cricket after India began their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 94-run victory over Thailand. Verma played a major role in the win, scoring a brilliant half-century at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Indian batter was impressed by the progress made by emerging cricket nations such as Thailand. She highlighted their discipline, improved skills and quality spin bowling while also pointing towards the wider changes taking place in women’s cricket around the world.
Shafali Verma Praises Thailand’s Progress
Speaking after the match, Verma pointed out how much emerging teams have improved in recent years. Thailand showed discipline in the field and their spin attack also created problems for India’s batters during the middle overs.
For Verma, such performances are evidence that the gap between established teams and emerging sides is becoming smaller. More international matches, better facilities and greater exposure are helping players from different countries develop their skills and compete at a higher level.
The comments are an important part of the Shafali Verma Women’s Asia Cup 2026 story, especially after she produced a match winning performance against Thailand.
Shafali Verma Stars With the Bat
India were sent into bat and finished their 20 overs at 159 for nine. Verma provided the perfect start, smashing 64 runs from only 36 deliveries.
Her innings included eight fours and three sixes, as she recorded her 19th T20I half century. She gave India momentum early in the innings and was eventually named Player of the Match for her contribution.
India appeared to be in a strong position at 91 for one before Thailand fought back. Spinner Suleeporn Laomi took three wickets for 26 runs and helped trigger a collapse that saw India fall to 137 for nine. Late hitting helped India reach 159.
Deepti Sharma Creates T20I History
India’s bowlers then produced a dominant performance during Thailand’s chase. Thailand were bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs, giving India a comfortable 94 run victory.
Nannapat Koncharoenkai was the only Thailand batter to make a significant contribution, scoring 41 from 48 balls. India’s bowling attack remained in control throughout the innings.
Deepti Sharma was particularly impressive, taking three wickets without conceding a single run in 1.1 overs. Nandani Sharma also claimed three wickets for 18 runs.
Deepti created history during the match by becoming the leading wicket taker in Women’s T20I cricket. She moved past Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong to reach 171 wickets in the format.
Women’s Cricket Continues to Grow
Verma’s comments also highlighted the changing landscape of women’s cricket. Increased television coverage, stronger domestic competitions, franchise leagues and more international fixtures have given players greater opportunities to improve.
The growth has also made women’s cricket more competitive and athletic. Emerging nations are now getting better exposure and are increasingly capable of challenging established teams.
For Verma, the progress of teams like Thailand is a positive sign for the future of the sport. The Shafali Verma latest news following India’s Asia Cup opener therefore goes beyond her impressive batting performance, with the opener also recognising the wider growth of women’s cricket.
