India Dominates Pakistan with a 64-Run Victory in Women's T20 World Cup Opener

In a thrilling Women's T20 World Cup opener, India triumphed over Pakistan by 64 runs, with Deepti Sharma's exceptional five-wicket haul leading the charge. After setting a competitive target of 171, India's spinners dominated Pakistan's batting lineup, resulting in a dramatic collapse. Smriti Mandhana's half-century and Richa Ghosh's explosive finish were key highlights of India's innings. This match showcased India's strength and resilience, setting a promising tone for the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 23:57 IST

Deepti Sharma's Stellar Performance Leads India to Victory

In a thrilling start to the Women's T20 World Cup, India secured a convincing 64-run win over Pakistan in Birmingham, thanks to an outstanding five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, who recorded remarkable figures of 5/10. Pakistan was bowled out for 106 runs in just 17 overs while chasing a target of 171.

Pakistan's Struggle Against India's Spin Attack

Pakistan began their innings positively, with openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza scoring eight runs in the first over. However, Shreyanka Patil's disciplined bowling in the second over limited them to just three runs. The Pakistani openers retaliated by scoring 14 runs off Kranti Gaud's over and continued their aggressive approach against Patil, adding 12 runs in her next over.

Deepti Sharma turned the tide in her first over, dismissing Gull Feroza, who attempted a reverse sweep but was caught by Bhatri Fulmali. In her next over, she took out Ayesha Zafar, marking her return to T20 World Cup after eight years. Despite Muneeba Ali being dropped twice, Sharma eventually ran her out with a direct hit, sending her back for 35 runs in the 10th over.

Pakistan's innings collapsed dramatically, falling from 75/4 to 91/7 in just 3.4 overs as India's bowlers tightened their grip. Deepti Sharma capped off her brilliant performance by taking three wickets in her final over, leading to Pakistan's total collapse.

India Sets a Competitive Target

Earlier in the match, India faced early challenges but managed to post a total of 170/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a half-century from Smriti Mandhana and a late surge from Richa Ghosh. After opting to bat first, India had a shaky start but Mandhana (68) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (36) steadied the innings.

Despite losing wickets in quick succession, Richa Ghosh's explosive 34 runs off 17 balls helped India reach a competitive score.

India's Early Wickets and Recovery

India's aggressive intent was evident from the first ball when Shafali Verma hit a six off left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal. However, Iqbal quickly struck back, dismissing Verma (6) in the same over. Jemimah Rodrigues also struggled, scoring just 1 run before being caught, leaving India at 20/2 after four overs.

Mandhana and Harmanpreet's Partnership

Facing mounting pressure, Mandhana and Harmanpreet formed a crucial partnership, with Mandhana leading the charge. She scored 68 runs off 44 balls, hitting nine boundaries and two sixes, while Harmanpreet supported her by rotating the strike effectively. Together, they helped India surpass the 100-run mark in the 13th over.

Late Wickets and Richa Ghosh's Heroics

As India looked set for a big total at 109/2, Pakistan fought back by dismissing Mandhana in the 14th over, breaking their 91-run partnership. Sadia Iqbal struck again, taking out Bharti Fulmali (1) in the 15th over, leaving India at 117/4.

Harmanpreet soon followed, scoring 36 runs before being dismissed, which reduced India to 129/5. Just when it seemed India might struggle to reach 150, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma's quickfire partnership of 45 runs off 21 balls propelled India to a total of 170/6. Ghosh scored 34 runs off 17 balls, while Sharma remained unbeaten on 12.