India Women return to action in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 on 3 September when they face Hong Kong, China in Group A. Harmanpreet Kaur's side enter the contest after a commanding 94-run victory over Thailand, while the match provides another opportunity to build momentum in the race for the semi-finals.
India arrive with momentum after Thailand win
India began their campaign by posting 159/9 against Thailand before dismissing their opponents for 65. Shafali Verma led the batting effort with an attacking 64 from 36 balls, including eight fours and three sixes.
The bowling performance was even more decisive. Deepti Sharma finished with remarkable figures of 3/0 and Nandni Sharma took 3/18 as India shut down Thailand's chase and completed a 94-run victory.
India still have batting areas to improve
The opening result was comprehensive, but it also gave India something to review. After a strong start, the batting innings lost momentum as Thailand fought back with regular wickets. Shafali acknowledged after the match that India would assess where the batting unit could improve.
That makes the Hong Kong, China game useful not only in terms of Group A points but also as another opportunity for India's batting order to find greater consistency before the later stages of the competition.
Shafali Verma will again be central to India's plans
Shafali's ability to attack during the powerplay was one of the biggest positives from India's opener. She also spoke about adapting to the Dubai conditions, noting that the newer ball comes on better before the surface can become more difficult as the ball gets older.
India will therefore look for another positive start while aiming to build stronger partnerships through the middle overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh are among the experienced options in India's Asia Cup squad.
Hong Kong, China players to watch
Hong Kong, China are captained by Natasha Miles, one of their most experienced batters. ICC squad information listed Miles with more than 2,000 T20I runs when the tournament squad was announced.
Mariko Hill entered the tournament as Hong Kong, China's leading T20I run-scorer, while Chan Ka Ying is their leading wicket-taker. Those experienced players give Hong Kong, China important options as they attempt to challenge India's batting and bowling depth.
Pratika Rawal part of India's updated squad
India entered the tournament without Jemimah Rodrigues after the batter was ruled out with a high-grade right hamstring tear. The BCCI named Pratika Rawal as her replacement for the Women's Asia Cup.
The updated squad remains led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain and includes Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Thakur, Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma and other established and emerging options.
Why the Group A contest matters
India and Hong Kong, China are in Group A alongside Pakistan and Thailand. Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals.
India's opening victory has given them an encouraging platform, but maintaining momentum is important with further group-stage challenges ahead. For Hong Kong, China, facing India represents an opportunity to test themselves against one of the tournament's strongest squads.
What to expect from India vs Hong Kong, China
India will begin as the stronger side on paper, but their priority will be producing a complete performance rather than relying on individual contributions. A more stable batting effort combined with the bowling discipline shown against Thailand would put India in a strong position.
Hong Kong, China will look to their experienced core, particularly Natasha Miles, Mariko Hill and Chan Ka Ying, to create pressure and make India work for control of the contest.
For India, the match is another chance to strengthen their Group A campaign and sharpen their game before the business end of the Women's Asia Cup 2026.
Information checked through 3 September 2026 before the match.