India began their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Pakistan by 64 runs in front of a packed crowd at Birmingham on June 14. A composed innings from Smriti Mandhana, a destructive late flourish from Richa Ghosh, and a record-breaking bowling performance by Deepti Sharma ensured India opened their tournament with a statement victory in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
The contest had all the ingredients of a high-pressure World Cup encounter, but India showcased superior composure in crucial moments to outplay Pakistan in all departments. The victory also provided India with a significant boost to their net run rate, an important factor in a highly competitive group stage.
After being put under pressure early in their innings, India recovered brilliantly to post 170 for 6, their highest-ever total against Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Pakistan were then bundled out for 106 in 17 overs as India’s spin attack tightened the screws during the middle phase of the chase. India’s innings got off to a shaky start.
Shafali Verma signaled aggressive intent by launching the first ball she faced for six, but her stay at the crease was short-lived as she edged behind off Sadia Iqbal. Soon after, Jemimah Rodrigues fell attempting an attacking shot against debutant pacer Tasmia Rubab, leaving India struggling at 18 for 2.
With early wickets falling, the responsibility shifted to vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. The left-hander responded with a mature and controlled innings that combined caution with calculated aggression. She steadily rebuilt the innings alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur while taking advantage of opportunities offered by Pakistan’s fielders.
Mandhana survived two dropped chances, first on 27 and later after reaching her half-century, and made Pakistan pay dearly. She brought up a fluent fifty off just 34 deliveries and looked in complete control against both pace and spin. Her elegant stroke play through the off side and confident footwork against the spinners helped India regain momentum after the early setbacks.
Harmanpreet initially took time to settle but gradually found her rhythm. Together, the pair stitched a crucial partnership that stabilized India’s innings and laid the foundation for a strong finish. Mandhana eventually departed for an excellent 68, while Harmanpreet contributed a valuable 36.
Pakistan briefly clawed their way back into the contest when India lost three wickets for just 14 runs. The innings threatened to lose momentum, and a total around 150 appeared likely. However, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh had other plans.
Ghosh produced a stunning late assault that transformed the complexion of the innings. Scoring 34 off just 17 deliveries, she attacked fearlessly in the closing overs. Her most damaging over came against Tasmia Rubab, whom she struck for a sequence of 4, 6, 4, 4 in a 23-run over. Mixing power with innovative stroke play, Ghosh helped India collect 60 runs in the final six overs and push their total to an imposing 170.
Pakistan’s chase began positively as openers Muneeba Ali and Gul Feroza raced to 38 without loss. Muneeba looked particularly dangerous and benefited from two dropped catches in the early overs. Her attacking approach gave Pakistan hope of mounting a serious challenge.
The turning point arrived when Deepti Sharma entered the attack. The experienced all-rounder immediately slowed Pakistan’s momentum with her accuracy and variations. She first dismissed Gul Feroza and then removed Ayesha Zafar, forcing Pakistan onto the defensive. Muneeba continued to fight and reached 41, but her innings was ended by a brilliant piece of fielding from Deepti, who produced a direct hit from short third to run her out. The dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse.
India’s spin department took complete control from there. Debutant Shree Charani impressed with figures of 3 for 21, showing remarkable composure on the World Cup stage. Her disciplined bowling ensured Pakistan never regained momentum as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
The star of the evening, however, was Deepti Sharma. The off-spinner finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 10, dismantling Pakistan’s lower order and wrapping up the innings in the 17th over. Her five-wicket haul also saw her become the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20 internationals, adding another milestone to her distinguished career.
Reflecting on the team’s performance after receiving the Player of the Match award, Deepti’s all-round contribution underlined her value to the Indian side. Her efforts with both ball and in the field proved decisive in one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures.
The comprehensive victory gives India early momentum in their quest for a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title. With key players delivering under pressure and young talents stepping up on the global stage, India will take plenty of confidence into their upcoming matches.
For Pakistan, the defeat highlighted concerns over their middle-order batting and fielding standards. Despite promising moments in both innings, missed chances and a lack of partnerships ultimately cost them dearly.
As the tournament progresses, India will be encouraged by the form of Mandhana, the finishing power of Ghosh, and the match-winning brilliance of Deepti Sharma, a combination that could prove vital in their pursuit of World Cup glory.
