India vs Pakistan Women T20 World Cup 2026: Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma Power India to 64-Run Victory

BY: Webdunia News Team

Publish: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 (09:56 IST) Updated: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 (09:57 IST)

India kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Pakistan by 64 runs in a one-sided Group A clash at Birmingham on Sunday. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a classy half-century before all-rounder Deepti Sharma delivered a record-breaking bowling performance to seal a comprehensive victory.

After posting a challenging total of 170/6, India’s bowlers dominated proceedings, dismissing Pakistan for just 106 in 17 overs. Deepti was the standout performer, claiming a sensational 5/10 to dismantle the opposition batting lineup and guide India to a dream start in the tournament.

The experienced off-spinner struck early, removing openers Feroza Gull and Saira Jabeen, before returning later to trigger a dramatic collapse. Her five-wicket haul also saw her become the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 Internationals, with 166 wickets from 145 matches.

Pakistan showed early promise through Muneeba Ali, who battled hard for 41 off 35 deliveries. She made the most of two dropped chances and stitched together a 38-run opening partnership with Feroza Gull. However, once Deepti entered the attack, the momentum shifted decisively in India’s favor.

Left-arm spinner N Sree Charani provided excellent support with figures of 3/21, while Shafali Verma chipped in with a wicket as Pakistan's batting lineup struggled to keep pace with the required rate.

Earlier, India recovered brilliantly after a difficult start. Shafali Verma struck a six in the opening over but fell soon after, while Jemimah Rodrigues departed cheaply, leaving India wobbling at 18/2.

Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Mandhana was at her fluent best, reaching her half-century in just 34 balls and eventually scoring 68 off 44 deliveries, including nine boundaries and two sixes. Harmanpreet contributed a composed 36 off 35 balls to anchor the middle overs.

Pakistan briefly fought back by reducing India to 123/5 in the 17th over, but Richa Ghosh ensured a strong finish. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 34 off just 17 balls, while Deepti added valuable late runs as India hammered 38 runs in the final two overs to reach a formidable total.

The late flourish proved decisive, setting up a dominant all-round display that gave India a winning start to their World Cup journey.

Brief Scores:

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, N Sree Charani 3/21.

India won by 64 runs.