India Dominates Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Opener

In a thrilling opener for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, India triumphed over Pakistan by 64 runs. Smriti Mandhana's stellar 68 runs and Deepti Sharma's historic five-wicket haul were pivotal in this victory. Despite a shaky start, India posted a solid total of 170 runs, which proved too challenging for Pakistan, who were bowled out for 106. This match not only highlighted individual brilliance but also showcased India's strong team performance, setting a positive tone for the tournament ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 15, 2026, 01:58 IST

India's Strong Start in Women's T20 World Cup 2026

India commenced their Women's T20 World Cup 2026 journey with an impressive 64-run victory against Pakistan during a Group A match held at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 14.

Setting a target of 170 runs, India bowled out Pakistan for just 106 runs in 17 overs, thanks to a remarkable five-wicket haul by Deepti Sharma, who recorded outstanding figures of 5/10. This victory marked India's seventh triumph over Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup history and their 14th overall in Women's T20 Internationals.

Key Highlights from India's Victory

1. Shafali Verma faced criticism for her shot selection after being dismissed for just six runs. She hit a six on her first ball, becoming the first player to do so in a Women's T20 World Cup match, but was out after just five balls, leading to backlash on social media for her reckless approach.

2. Smriti Mandhana showcased her skill with a composed 68 runs off 44 balls, helping stabilize the innings after India fell to 18/2. Her partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 36 runs, was pivotal in setting a competitive total.

3. Richa Ghosh contributed significantly with a quick 34 runs off 17 balls, including five fours and a six, which helped India recover from a precarious position of 110/4 to a strong finish of 170/6.

Deepti Sharma's Historic Bowling Performance

Deepti Sharma's exceptional bowling was crucial in stifling Pakistan's chase. She took two early wickets, reducing Pakistan to 53/2, and later claimed three more wickets in a single over, making her the first Indian woman to achieve a five-wicket haul in a T20 World Cup match.

The collective effort of India's spin attack, including contributions from Shreyanka Patil and Shafali Verma, further restricted Pakistan's scoring opportunities, showcasing the effectiveness of India's bowling strategy.