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

India's Impressive Start in the Women's T20 World Cup

Birmingham [UK], June 15: Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia extended their congratulations to Team India following their victory against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

The match showcased remarkable performances, particularly from spin bowlers Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani, alongside a powerful half-century from Smriti Mandhana, leading Team India to a commanding 64-run win in their tournament opener on Sunday. As the reigning champions in the 50-over format, the Women in Blue have made a strong statement, reinforcing their status as favorites for both the 50-over and 20-over World Cup titles.

Sachin shared his thoughts on X, expressing regret for missing what he termed a "very special performance" due to being on a flight. He praised Smriti, Deepti, Shree Charani, and the explosive wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh for their exceptional contributions.

"Just landed and caught up with the result. Looks like I missed a very special performance from our team. Smriti's innings and Deepti Sharma's five-wicket haul will rightly earn plenty of praise, but contributions from Shree Charani, Richa Ghosh, and the rest of the group seem to have made this a truly complete performance. What a great start to the campaign!!" Sachin tweeted.

Just landed and caught up with the result. Looks like I missed a very special performance from our team. Smriti's innings and Deepti Sharma's five-wicket haul will rightly earn plenty of praise, but contributions from Shree Charani, Richa Ghosh, and the rest of the group seem to…

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 14, 2026

BCCI secretary Saikia also commended Team India for their "highly disciplined and clinical performance," which he believes sets a positive tone for the team's journey in the tournament.

"Congratulations to Team India on a commendable start to the World Cup campaign. A highly disciplined and clinical performance resulted in a dominating 64-run victory over Pakistan. This comprehensive win sets a strong tone for the tournament ahead. Excellent execution by the entire squad. Jai Hind," Saikia tweeted.

Congratulations to #TeamIndia on a commendable start to the World Cup campaign. A highly disciplined and clinical performance resulted in a dominating 64-run victory over Pakistan. This comprehensive win sets a strong tone for the tournament ahead. Excellent execution by the… pic.twitter.com/vuoAO7jCZa

— Devajit LON Saikia (@lonsaikia) June 14, 2026

In the match, India chose to bat first but faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 18/2 after the dismissals of Shafali Verma (6) and Jemimah Rodrigues (1). However, a strong partnership of 91 runs between Smriti Mandhana (68 off 44 balls, including nine fours and two sixes) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (36 off 35 balls, with four boundaries) propelled India past the 100-run mark. A late surge from Richa Ghosh (34 off 17 balls, with five fours and a six) helped India finish at 170/6 in their 20 overs.

For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana were the standout bowlers, each taking two wickets.

During Pakistan's chase, they started well with a 38-run opening partnership, but Indian bowlers quickly took control, reducing them to 91/7 and eventually all out for 106 in 17 overs. Muneeba Ali (41 off 35 balls, with five fours) was the only player to score above 20 runs.

Deepti (5/10) and Shree Charani (3/21 in four overs) wreaked havoc with their spin bowling, while Shafali also contributed with a wicket. Deepti was awarded the 'Player of the Match.'