“What was billed as the marquee India vs Pakistan T20 clash of the Women’s World Cup ended in domination, with India overwhelming Pakistan by 64 runs at Edgbaston..“
BIRMINGHAM, England — India launched their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday, powered by a half-century from Smriti Mandhana and a record-breaking five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma.
Playing in front of a sellout crowd of 18,814, India posted 170-6 before bowling Pakistan out for 106. The result extended India’s unbeaten record against Pakistan in Women’s World Cup competition and immediately strengthened their position in the tournament standings.
What’s happening around the world: India, Slovakia Elevate Ties as Modi Makes Historic Visit to Bratislava
Mandhana and Ghosh Push India to 170
India’s innings was built around a 91-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Captain Harmanpreet Kaur after an uncertain start. Mandhana scored 68 from 44 balls, surviving two dropped chances, while Kaur contributed 36.
The match shifted again in the closing overs when wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh struck 34 from just 17 deliveries. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana conceded 15 runs in the final over as India accelerated from 132-5 to finish on 170-6.
Pakistan had opportunities to limit the damage. Mandhana was dropped on 27 and again on 55, but India capitalized on both mistakes.
Deepti Takes Five as Pakistan Collapse
Pakistan’s chase began positively through opener Muneeba Ali, who reached 41 and looked capable of anchoring the innings. Her dismissal proved decisive.
Ali was run out by Deepti Sharma in the 11th over, and Pakistan quickly lost momentum. Captain Fatima Sana fell with the score at 77-5, triggering a collapse that left the side unable to keep pace with the required rate.
Deepti finished with career-best figures of 5 for 10, while left-arm spinner Shree Charani added 3 for 21. “I always believe in myself, that whenever the right time comes, I will step up”, Deepti said after the match. Her five-wicket performance took her career tally to 166 women’s T20 international wickets, making her the format’s leading wicket-taker.
Cricket Rivalry Overshadowed by Wider Tensions
The match also carried political undertones. Players from the two sides did not shake hands afterward, continuing a pattern seen in recent India-Pakistan encounters amid strained relations between the neighbouring countries.
The result reinforced concerns about the widening gap between the two women’s cricket systems. India arrived in England as reigning Women’s ODI World Cup champions and benefited from the professional Women’s Premier League structure, while Pakistan continued to operate without a comparable franchise competition.
“We would love to send [Ghosh] on the first ball”, Harmanpreet Kaur said of India’s late batting surge. “But she has a role to play, and she is doing well”. For India, the tournament could hardly have started better.
For more updates follow: First Report News
