India began their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 64-run victory over Pakistan in front of a packed crowd at Edgbaston. Smriti Mandhana anchored the batting effort with a classy half-century before Deepti Sharma delivered a record-breaking bowling performance to seal a convincing win.
The result gives India an important early boost in what is widely considered the tournament’s toughest group and provides a valuable net run-rate advantage.
Mandhana Leads India’s Recovery
India’s innings suffered an early wobble after Pakistan chose to bowl.
Shafali Verma launched the innings with a six but was dismissed shortly afterwards by Sadia Iqbal. Jemimah Rodrigues also departed cheaply, leaving India struggling at 18 for 2 inside four overs.
With Pakistan on top, Mandhana took control of the innings.
More Read
The left-hander absorbed the pressure before gradually shifting gears. She benefited from two dropped chances but made Pakistan pay heavily, bringing up her half-century from just 34 deliveries. Her elegant strokeplay through the off side and ability to manipulate the field helped rebuild India’s innings alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
The pair steadied the innings through the middle overs before Mandhana eventually departed for 68, having laid the foundation for a competitive total.
Harmanpreet contributed a valuable 36, but Pakistan briefly fought back with quick wickets, reducing India from a strong position and threatening to restrict them to around 150.
More Read
Richa Ghosh Provides the Perfect Finish
Just when Pakistan appeared to be regaining control, Richa Ghosh turned things around. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 34 from only 17 deliveries, completely changing the complexion of the innings. Her brutal hitting included four boundaries and a six in a single over from debutant Tasmia Rubab.
India collected 60 runs in the final six overs, finishing with an imposing 170 for 6, their highest total against Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Pakistan Start Well Before Collapse
Openers Muneeba Ali and Gul Feroza attacked from the outset, racing to 38 without loss and putting India’s bowlers under pressure. Muneeba survived multiple chances early in her innings and looked set for a major score.
However, the game changed once Deepti Sharma entered the attack.
The experienced all-rounder dismissed Gul Feroza and Ayesha Zafar in quick succession before producing a brilliant direct hit to run out the dangerous Muneeba for 41.
That dismissal proved decisive.
More Read
Deepti and Charani Spin India to Victory
Following Muneeba’s run-out, Pakistan’s innings quickly unraveled.
India’s spinners took complete control as Deepti and debutant N Sree Charani squeezed the middle order. Charani impressed on her World Cup debut, finishing with figures of 3 for 21 and consistently creating pressure through the middle overs.
Deepti was even more devastating.
She claimed five wickets for just 10 runs, becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 internationals. Her final spell removed the lower order and ensured Pakistan were bowled out for only 106 in the 17th over.
The collapse saw Pakistan lose five wickets for just 26 runs during the crucial middle phase of the chase.
Perfect Start for India
India could hardly have asked for a better opening result.
Mandhana’s 68 provided stability after an early collapse, Ghosh’s late hitting pushed the total beyond Pakistan’s reach, and Deepti delivered one of the finest bowling performances of her career.
The combination of a convincing victory and a significant net run-rate boost gives India strong momentum heading into the remainder of the tournament.
For Pakistan, missed opportunities in the field and an inability to build partnerships after a promising start ultimately proved costly as they suffered another disappointing defeat against their biggest rivals on the world stage.
