In a Group A encounter at Edgbaston, Birmingham, India Women began their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with an emphatic 64-run win. India had posted a disappointing 170/6 in 20 overs, but then bowled out Pakistan to a paltry 106 in 17 overs for an incredible win.
India, batting first, lost a few early wickets but came back powerfully behind Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s 91-run partnership in middle-order. Drawing on her wealth of experience, Mandhana’s 68 off 44 was solid and made even more important when she found herself at the crease for much of the innings – each strike to the boundary keeping momentum in favour with India. Harmanpreet chipped in with 36 runs, allowing India to stabilise things after the early loss of wickets.
Late charge was provided by wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who scored 34 runs in just 17 balls. Thanks to her explosive hitting in the latter overs, India finished off at a daunting 170/6 and already thoroughly challenged Pakistan before they even started their innings.
Pakistan began on a good note, crossing 52/1 during the powerplay with opening batter Muneeba Ali fighting back. She made 41 runs and gave Pakistan a small hope of staying in the match. But, it was India’s bowlers who turned the match on its head in the middle-overs.
Deepti Sharma was the player of the game with one of the great bowling displays in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Pakistan, who were 75 for 3 went on to suffer a massive collapse as the off-spinner picked up incredibly amazing figures of 5 for 10 to skittle out the opposition for just 106. Deepti was named player of the match for her bowling, where she set a new benchmark in this tournament.
Young spinner Shree Charani bowled beautifully to claim 3 wickets for 21 runs. The duo combined to send the Pakistan batting order toppling like tenpins and put paid to any hopes of a revival.
Not only did India get valuable two points with this stunning victory but they also got a big boost in their net run rate. India were comprehensive victors, emphasising their title credentials and getting their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign off to a perfect start.