Thailand captain Thipatcha Putthawong won the toss and sent India into bat in their opening fixture of the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 on July 30. Speaking at the toss, Putthawong revealed that Nannapat Koncharoenkai was sidelined due to injury, but expressed enthusiasm about facing the tournament favorites, setting a target to contain the Indian lineup to under 170 runs.
ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar has a solution to Team India's glaring no-ball woes, says 'how about...'
Pratika Rawal makes T20I debut, India put to bat first
Despite losing the toss, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur expressed confidence in setting a total, noting that while they initially preferred to field in their Dubai opener, the surface offered a fresh opportunity to play proactive cricket. Kaur also confirmed that Pratika Rawal was handed her T20I debut to fill the void left by Jemimah Rodrigues, emphasizing that the team aims to set a ruthless tone for the rest of the campaign.
Opting for a revamped bowling attack, India sidelined experienced pacers Renuka Singh and Arundhati Reddy, opening up a spot for 24-year-old leg-spinner Prema Rawat to make just her second T20I appearance.
ALSO READ: Another jolt to South Africa, 28-yr-old pacer ruled out of Namibia Tri-series owing to injury
India Women (Playing XI):
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma
Thailand Women (Playing XI):
Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nattakan Chantam, Phannita Maya, Nannapat Koncharoenkai(w), Chanida Sutthiruang, Naomi Hamilton, Suleeporn Laomi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Thipatcha Putthawong(c), Onnicha Kamchomphu