Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma power India to 94-run Asia Cup win
Shafali Verma smashed 64 and Deepti Sharma's record 3 for 0 helped India thrash Thailand by 94 runs in their Asia Cup opener.
Shafali Verma scored 64 and Deepti Sharma took three wickets for no runs as India beat Thailand by 94 runs in their Women's T20 Asia Cup opener in Dubai on Sunday. India posted 159 for nine after Thailand's bowlers triggered a collapse. Thailand were then bowled out for 65.
Deepti Sharma claimed her three wickets in 1.1 overs and became the leading wicket-taker in women's T20I history during the match. Nandni Sharma also took three wickets. Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scored for Thailand with 41.
The win gives India a strong start in the tournament. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the side cannot take any opponent lightly after the victory.
CricHubb Take
Deepti's 3-for-0 in 1.1 overs shows that her bowling economy in the powerplay is now the decisive variable that lets India pick an extra batter without losing control of the first six overs.