Out came India strong, opening their 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup run with a sharp 64-run win against Pakistan under Sunday skies in Birmingham. Not far behind the scenes, Smriti Mandhana lit up the field with a fluent fifty. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma swung into top form, delivering her finest bowling show yet. Together, these moments pushed India further ahead in its long-standing edge over its neighbours.
After India won the toss, the momentum shifted fast. The first ball almost brought fireworks, but Shafali Verma swung hard and lost her wicket quickly. Six runs on the board, then gone – Sadia Iqbal delivered the blow. Pressure built soon after, when young Tasmia Rubab, playing her first match, trapped Jemimah Rodrigues’ leg before in the fourth over. Suddenly, India stumbled to 18/2.
Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh Lift India to Record Total
Things started looking shaky until Smriti Mandhana walked in alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. They held it together slowly at first, then picked up speed when needed.
Halfway through her knock, Mandhana reached fifty – her 34th in T20Is – off only 34 balls. Even after two missed chances by Pakistan, she kept swinging, finishing on 68 from 44. Her hitting pushed India past 100, pulling them clear.
A sudden stumble brought down Mandhana, then Bharti Fulmali fell soon after, followed by Harmanpreet. India wobbled at 110 for four. Out of that silence, though, Richa Ghosh surged forward, swinging hard through the final eight overs with 34 runs from only 17 balls. Sparks flew when it mattered most, lifting the innings to 170 for six – a number never before reached by India versus Pakistan in any Women’s T20 World Cup match.
Also read: Harmanpreet Kaur reveals India’s T20 World Cup blueprint ahead of Pakistan clash
Bursting into life after a shaky moment, Muneeba Ali seized her second opportunity with sharp intent. Off the blocks fast, the opening pair piled on 52 runs before the fifth over ended – topping any prior powerplay total Pakistan had managed versus India in these contests.
Deepti Sharma shifted everything towards India. Not long after, she removed Gul Feroza, and then Ayesha Zafar fell too. Following close behind, Shree Charani struck at just the right time. Then. Without warning, a bullet thrown from near point caught Muneeba short by inches; that 41 on the board meant nothing seconds later.
After that, India’s spinners cranked up the pressure. Pakistan collapsed – five wickets gone in only 26 runs. Deepti ended with stunning numbers: 5 for 10, a personal T20I high. Charani chipped in with three scalps. Out they went – all out for 106 in 17 overs.
Outstanding on every front, Deepti closed with 12 not out from nine deliveries, claiming the Player of the match. Her effort pushed her to the summit of wicket takers in women’s T20 Internationals. Meanwhile, India secured victory number 14 in 17 clashes versus Pakistan. Their tournament path began flawlessly at the World Cup.
Comments are closed.