India, world No. 15 in the FIBA basketball rankings, made a sluggish start and fell 7-0 behind early in the opening quarter. However, the Indian women fought back to reduce the deficit to 20-18 by the time the period ended.
World No. 12 Thailand, however, built up their advantage to six points (39-33) going into half-time before racing ahead to a 68-51 at the end of the third quarter.
With a 17-point deficit to overturn in the final 10 minutes, India fought hard but it came a little too late to force a comeback as the scores ended at 93-76.
India never managed to take the lead at any point during the match.
India are returning to the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup fold after a four-year absence.
They missed the 2023 edition following their relegation from Division A in 2021 and are now competing in Division B at this year’s continental championship.