India Crush Pakistan By 64 Runs In Women's T20 World Cup Opener

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 15 June 2026

India started their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign emphatically, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 64 runs at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 14. 2026. Led by a superb batting display from Smriti Mandhana and a sensational five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, the Women in Blue delivered a commanding all-round performance to secure their first victory of the tournament. The clash also attracted a record crowd of 18,814, the highest attendance ever recorded for a Women's T20 World Cup group-stage match.

Key Highlights:

• Deepti Sharma starred with career-best figures of 5/10 and won Player of the Match
• Smriti Mandhana scored a match-winning 68 off 44 balls
• India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in front of a record group-stage crowd of 18,814 people

India faced an early challenge after Pakistan's bowlers struck quickly to reduce them to 18/2 inside the opening four overs. Sadia Iqbal and Tasmia Rubab applied pressure by removing openers Shefali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, putting the Indian batting unit under immediate stress.

However, Smriti Mandhana once again proved why she remains one of India's most dependable performers on the biggest stages. After receiving two reprieves during her innings, she capitalised fully and played a magnificent knock of 68 from just 44 deliveries. Her innings featured nine boundaries and two sixes, helping stabilise India's innings after the early setbacks.

Smriti found excellent support from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who played a composed knock of 36 runs. The pair combined for a crucial 91-run partnership that shifted momentum firmly in India's favour. Harmanpreet rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, ensuring Pakistan's bowlers struggled to regain control.

The late flourish came from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, an explosive 34 off only 17 balls, which injected fresh energy into India's innings. Playing with remarkable confidence and intent, Richa struck boundaries regularly and accelerated the scoring rate in the death overs. Her innings helped India post an imposing total of 170/6 from their 20 overs.

Pakistan's chase never truly gathered momentum as India's bowlers produced a disciplined and relentless display. Deepti Sharma emerged as the chief destroyer, striking twice in her opening spell to remove Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar. Her accuracy, flight, and control left the Pakistani batters struggling to score freely.

The experienced all-rounder finished with outstanding figures of 5/10 from four overs, the best T20 International bowling figures of her career. Her performance also saw her become the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20 International history with 166 wickets. Deepti's impact extended beyond bowling as she produced a brilliant direct-hit run-out to dismiss Pakistan's top-scorer Muneeba Ali for 41, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback.

India's fielding also played a significant role in the victory. Smriti Mandhana pulled off a stunning diving catch at short fine leg, while Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, and Shreyanka Patil contributed with sharp catches that maintained pressure throughout the innings.

Young spinner Shree Charani added further damage with impressive figures of 3/21, striking at regular intervals as Pakistan's batting line-up collapsed. Despite Muneeba Ali's fighting 41, Pakistan eventually bowled out for 106 in just 17 overs.