Smriti Mandhana scores four fours in opening over against Thailand

Smriti Mandhana hit four fours in her opening over as India began their Women's Asia Cup 2026 campaign against Thailand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The left-hander and Shafali Verma gave India a rapid start in the Group A fixture. NDTV Sports reported that Mandhana reached the boundary four times in the first over alone.

India elected to bat first after winning the toss. The openers have been India's most consistent batting pair in the tournament format. Their partnership has produced multiple substantial totals in recent Asia Cup editions.

The match marks India's opening fixture in the six-team tournament. Thailand enter the game after their nine-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup opener. The sides have met three times in Women's T20Is, with India holding a 3-0 record.