SCORECARD
India kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 64 runs at Edgbaston behind a dominant all-round performance highlighted by Deepti Sharma’s brilliant five-wicket haul.


A record crowd of 18,814 spectators packed the Birmingham venue, setting a new attendance mark for an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup group-stage match, and they were treated to a commanding display from the tournament favorites.

Deepti Sharma produced a match-winning spell, claiming career-best figures of 5 for 10 to power India to a commanding victory over Pakistan. Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images


After electing to bat first, India posted a formidable 170 for 6, their highest-ever total against Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a sparkling 68, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided valuable support.

The innings began with fireworks as Shafali Verma launched the opening delivery of the match for six. Although India lost early wickets, Mandhana steadied the innings with a composed yet aggressive knock. The stylish left-hander punished Pakistan’s bowlers after receiving a couple of reprieves in the field and reached her half-century in just 34 deliveries.

Mandhana shared a crucial 91-run partnership with Harmanpreet, who contributed 36, helping India take control through the middle overs. After Mandhana’s dismissal, Richa Ghosh delivered a late flourish, blasting 34 from only 17 balls to propel India to an imposing total.

Pakistan’s chase started brightly as opener Muneeba Ali attacked from the outset, finding boundaries regularly and helping her side race to 52 without loss during the powerplay. However, the introduction of Deepti Sharma completely changed the complexion of the match.

The experienced spinner struck immediately, removing Gull Feroza and then dismissing Ayesha Zafar shortly after as Pakistan’s momentum stalled. With spin proving difficult to negotiate, India tightened their grip on the contest.

Muneeba continued to battle and top-scored with 41, but her run-out by Sharma proved a pivotal moment. Once the opener departed, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to keep pace with the required rate.

Sree Charani played an important supporting role with three wickets, while Sharma produced a sensational spell to dismantle the middle and lower order. The off-spinner finished with career-best T20I figures of 5 for 10, claiming three wickets in a single over to wrap up the innings.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 106 in 17 overs, handing India a comprehensive 64-run victory and a perfect start to their Group A campaign.

The result puts India in a strong position heading into their next fixture against the Netherlands, while Pakistan will look to bounce back when they face South Africa.

Scores in Brief
India 170/6 (20 overs)
Smriti Mandhana 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 36, Richa Ghosh 34
Fatima Sana 2/33, Sadia Iqbal 2/41

Pakistan 106 all out (17 overs)
Muneeba Ali 41, Aliya Riaz 18
Deepti Sharma 5/10, Sree Charani 3/21

Result: India won by 64 runs.