India vs Pakistan: A Thrilling Start to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off with a thrilling match between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston. Both teams are eager to start their campaigns with a victory. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, boasts a strong batting lineup, while Pakistan, under captain Fatima Sana, aims to make a mark with a young squad. The match promises to be fiercely contested, with both teams looking to assert their dominance. Fans can expect an exciting showdown on June 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST, broadcasted on Star Sports and live-streamed on JioHotstar.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 15:49 IST

Exciting Opener at Edgbaston

Photo: IANS

Birmingham, June 13: The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 will kick off with a highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston this Sunday. Matches between these two rivals are always a spectacle, and both teams are keen to secure a win to launch their World Cup journeys on a positive note.

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian team boasts a well-rounded and experienced lineup. Their batting strength is formidable, highlighted by the dynamic opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, whose aggressive style could put Pakistan on the back foot right from the start.

On the other hand, Pakistan is embarking on a new journey with captain Fatima Sana at the helm. With a youthful squad eager to make its mark internationally, this match offers a chance to test their mettle against one of the tournament's top contenders.

The outcome may hinge on the bowling performance. Pakistan will rely heavily on seasoned spinners Sadia Iqbal and Nida Dar to manage India's extensive batting lineup, especially on a pitch that favors aggressive play. Conversely, India's bowling unit, featuring Renuka Singh's new ball skills and Deepti Sharma's steady middle-over control, is well-prepared for the challenge.

While historical data leans towards India, matches steeped in rivalry often yield surprising results. The atmosphere, the audience, and the pressure of a World Cup opener can lead to unpredictable outcomes. With both teams eager to start their campaigns on a high note, fans can anticipate an intense showdown in Birmingham.

Match Details:

Date: Sunday, June 14, 7:00 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Broadcast: The IND vs PAK match will be available on Star Sports channels, with live streaming on JioHotstar.

Team Squads:

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav

Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Tasmia Rubab