India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs at Edgbaston, Birmingham, to begin their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a win
Smriti Mandhana’s 68 and Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 34 powered India to 170/6 before Deepti Sharma’s 5/10 restricted Pakistan to 106
Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match and became the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20I cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s classy half-century and Deepti Sharma’s sensational five-wicket haul powered India to a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan in their opening Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Sunday.
India began their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign by winning the toss and opting to bat first against Pakistan.
However, the decision did not bring an immediate advantage as Shafali Verma’s aggressive start was cut short in the opening over, with Sadia Iqbal removing the opener for six.
Pakistan continued to build pressure when Tasmia Rubab struck on her World Cup debut, dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues in the fourth over to reduce India to 18/2. With their innings in early trouble, Smriti Mandhana joined captain Harmanpreet Kaur to stabilize the chase and steer India out of danger.
Mandhana brought up her 34th T20I fifty in 34 balls and continued to punish the Pakistan attack despite being handed two lifelines in the field. The left-hander eventually top-scored with a brilliant 68 off 44 deliveries, guiding India past the 100-run mark.
Pakistan fought back with quick wickets, dismissing Mandhana, Bharti Fulmali and Harmanpreet Kaur in a short span to reduce India to 110/4.
Just when Pakistan looked set to restrict India, Richa Ghosh produced a stunning late assault. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 34 off 17 balls, including a flurry of boundaries in the final overs, to lift India to 170/6, their highest total against Pakistan in a Women’s T20 World Cup encounter.
Pakistan began their chase positively, with Muneeba Ali capitalizing on two dropped chances to lead the early charge. The openers raced to 52/1 in the powerplay, their best-ever powerplay score against India in the format.
But Deepti Sharma changed the momentum by dismissing Gul Feroza and Ayesha Zafar, while Shree Charani added further pressure with a crucial breakthrough.
The turning point came when Deepti produced a stunning direct hit from short third to run out Muneeba Ali for 41, ending Pakistan’s hopes of a comeback. India’s spinners then tightened their grip, as Pakistan lost five wickets for just 26 runs.
Deepti finished with career-best figures of 5/10, while Charani claimed three wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs.
Deepti's all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award after she produced a match-winning spell of 5/10 in four overs and chipped in with an unbeaten 12 off nine balls.
Her sensational performance also saw her become the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20I cricket, while India extended their dominance over Pakistan with their 14th victory in 17 meetings.
