India’s spin bowling unit received high praise from opener Shafali Verma following the team’s dominant 94-run victory over Thailand in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Verma highlighted the value of experienced spinners Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Radha Yadav in exploiting the turning conditions of the pitch.

During the post-match press conference, Verma credited the mature approach and consistent performances of the spin trio for India’s success. “They all showed very good bowling. They are in a very good space, and they bowled really well. We are happy as a team that our bowlers are in a good mindset,” she said.

India posted a total of 159 for nine, with Verma anchoring the innings with a measured 64 runs off 36 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. Despite a late middle-overs collapse that saw India slip from 92 for one to 137 for nine, her innings helped set a competitive target. Reflecting on her dismissal, Verma noted a minor mistake, attributing it to the ball gripping and turning more than expected.

The Indian bowling attack then dominated Thailand’s response, bowling them out for 65 runs in just 16.1 overs. Deepti Sharma achieved a landmark spell of three wickets without conceding a run, becoming the first Indian bowler to record such figures in a Women’s T20 International. Nandni Sharma and Shree Charani also contributed significantly with three wickets for 18 runs and two wickets for 10 runs, respectively, while the spin contingent consistently stifled the Thai batters.

Thailand’s only notable resistance came from Nannapat Konnarokaenki, who scored 41 runs off 48 balls but received little support from her teammates. The Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, restricting Thailand’s chase throughout the innings.

Verma also mentioned the absence of all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, currently sidelined due to injury, noting that the team misses her contributions. She expressed optimism about the growth of women’s cricket in the region, acknowledging the credit due to Thailand’s bowling unit for their efforts.

India is scheduled to continue their campaign with a Group A match against Hong Kong Women on September 3.