India launched their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 64 runs in a Group 1 encounter at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday.
The victory extended India’s dominance over Pakistan in the format, marking their 14th win in 17 Women’s T20 internationals between the two sides.
After being asked to bat, India recovered from an early wobble to post 170/6, thanks largely to a fluent 68 from Smriti Mandhana and a late assault from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh.
India’s innings got off to a shaky start with Shafali Varma and Jemimah Rodrigues dismissed inside the first four overs. However, Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur combined to steady the innings with a crucial partnership.
Mandhana struck her 34th T20I half-century and looked set throughout her 44-ball knock before falling in the latter stages. Harmanpreet contributed 36 and, in the process, overtook Mithali Raj to become India’s highest run-scorer in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Richa then provided the finishing touches with a rapid 34 off 17 deliveries, helping India push past the 170-mark.
Deepti creates history with match-winning spell
Pakistan made a positive start to the chase and reached 52/1 at the end of the powerplay, their highest powerplay score against India in Women’s T20Is.
However, India’s spinners gradually tightened their grip on the contest. Deepti Sharma led the charge with a sensational all-round performance, claiming 5/10 while also effecting a run-out.
The spell not only dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up but also saw Deepti become the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20 International history with 166 wickets, surpassing Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong.
Muneeba Ali top-scored for Pakistan with 41, but regular wickets ensured the chase never gained momentum. Shree Charani chipped in with three wickets, while Shafali Varma claimed one as Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs.
India will next face the Netherlands in Leeds as they look to build on a dominant start to their World Cup campaign.
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