India Sets Competitive Target Against Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup Opener

In the opening match of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, India faced Pakistan and set a target of 171 runs. Despite a shaky start, Smriti Mandhana's impressive 68 runs and Richa Ghosh's explosive 34 runs helped India post a total of 170/6. Pakistan's bowlers, including Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal, made crucial breakthroughs, but India managed to finish strong. The match promises an exciting chase as Pakistan aims to secure a win in their World Cup campaign.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 21:55 IST

India's Strong Performance Despite Early Challenges

In their opening match of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup held in Birmingham, India managed to score 170 runs for the loss of 6 wickets against their long-time rivals, Pakistan. This was made possible by a stellar half-century from Smriti Mandhana and a late surge from Richa Ghosh.

Choosing to bat first, India faced a rocky beginning. However, Mandhana (68 runs) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (36 runs) collaborated effectively to stabilize the innings. Although a flurry of late wickets shifted the momentum back to Pakistan, Ghosh's explosive 34 runs off just 17 balls ensured India finished strong.

India's Early Struggles

India's aggressive intent was evident from the first ball when Shafali Verma hit a six off left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal. Unfortunately, this excitement was short-lived as Iqbal quickly dismissed Verma (6) just four balls later, catching an edge that was taken by wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali.

Jemimah Rodrigues, batting at number three, struggled to find her rhythm during her brief appearance, scoring only 1 run before miscuing a shot against Tasmia Rubab, leaving India in a precarious position at 20/2 after 4 overs.

Partnership Between Mandhana and Harmanpreet

Under pressure, the experienced duo of Mandhana and Harmanpreet formed a crucial partnership to revive the innings. Mandhana, in particular, looked in excellent form, leading the charge with a well-paced innings that included 9 boundaries and 2 sixes in her 44-ball 68.

Harmanpreet played a supportive role, rotating the strike and accumulating singles, effectively countering Pakistan's spin attack during the middle overs, and helping the score surpass 100 runs by the 13th over.

Pakistan's Resurgence

Just when India seemed poised for a substantial total at 109/2 in 13.4 overs, Pakistan mounted a comeback. The turning point came when Rameen Shamim dismissed the dangerous Mandhana in the 14th over, breaking their 91-run partnership. Sadia Iqbal struck again, removing Bharti Fulmali (1) in the 15th over, leaving India at 117/4.

Harmanpreet soon followed, scoring 36 runs off 35 balls, as Fatima Sana took the fifth wicket, reducing India to 129/5 in the 17th over.

Ghosh's Explosive Finish

As it appeared that India might struggle to reach 150 runs, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma combined for a rapid 45-run partnership off just 21 balls, propelling India to a total of 170/6 in their allotted overs. They scored 23 runs in the 19th over bowled by Tasmia Rubab. Although Richa was dismissed in the final over, India managed to add 15 runs, setting a challenging target for Pakistan.

Richa finished with 34 runs from 17 balls, including five fours and a six, while Deepti remained not out with 12 runs off 9 balls.

Pakistan's Bowling Highlights

Pakistan's captain Fatima Sana showcased her bowling skills with impressive figures of 2 wickets for 33 runs in 4 overs. Sadia Iqbal also took 2 wickets but conceded 41 runs, while Rameen Shamim and Tasmia Rubab each claimed one wicket. Pakistan now faces the challenge of chasing down 171 runs to secure a victory in their World Cup campaign.