Deepti Sharma and Smriti Mandhana Star as India Outclass Pakistan in T20 World Cup Opener

India kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 64 runs in Birmingham thanks to a commanding all-round display led by Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma.

After Mandhana’s classy 68 laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 170/6, Deepti produced one of the finest bowling performances in Women’s T20I history, claiming 5 for 10 as Pakistan were bundled out for 106 in 17 overs. The off-spinner also became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 Internationals with 166 wickets, adding another milestone to an unforgettable outing.

The comprehensive victory gives India an early boost in both points and net run rate in what is widely regarded as the tournament’s toughest group.

India’s innings began aggressively but suffered early setbacks. Shafali Verma launched the innings with a six but was dismissed shortly afterwards by left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal. Jemimah Rodrigues also departed cheaply, leaving India in trouble at 18 for 2 inside four overs.

With Pakistan sensing an opportunity, Mandhana stepped up to steady the innings. The left-hander mixed elegant strokeplay with calculated aggression, finding boundaries through the off side while capitalising on a couple of reprieves in the field. Partnering captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana rebuilt the innings through a vital 91-run stand for the third wicket. Harmanpreet initially played cautiously before accelerating, allowing Mandhana to dominate proceedings.

The opener reached her half-century in just 34 deliveries and eventually scored 68 off 44 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes in a fluent knock that anchored India’s innings.

Pakistan fought back after dismissing Mandhana and quickly removed Bharti Fulmali and Harmanpreet Kaur, reducing India from a commanding position to 123 for 5. For a brief period, the innings appeared set to finish around the 150-run mark. However, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh transformed the closing stages with a breathtaking cameo.

The right-hander smashed 34 from just 17 deliveries, attacking with complete freedom during the death overs. She particularly targeted Tasmia Rubab, hammering a sequence of boundaries and a six in a 23-run over that shifted momentum decisively in India’s favour.

Alongside Deepti Sharma’s useful contribution, Ghosh ensured India accumulated 60 runs in the final six overs, lifting the total to a formidable 170.

Pakistan’s chase began confidently as openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza raced to 38 without loss, putting early pressure on the Indian attack. Muneeba benefited from multiple dropped chances and looked comfortable at the crease as Pakistan threatened to stay ahead of the required rate. The turning point arrived with the introduction of Deepti Sharma.

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The experienced off-spinner struck immediately, dismissing Gull Feroza before returning to remove Ayesha Zafar in her next spell. Her clever variations in pace and flight disrupted Pakistan’s momentum and shifted control firmly towards India.

While Deepti’s bowling was outstanding, one of the defining moments of the match came through her fielding. With Muneeba Ali batting fluently on 41, Deepti produced a direct-hit run-out from short third to end the opener’s innings. The dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse as Pakistan lost wickets in clusters and never recovered.

Making her T20 World Cup debut, left-arm spinner Sree Charani also impressed with 3 for 21, consistently applying pressure through the middle overs. Deepti returned to wrap up the innings in style, claiming three wickets in her final over to finish with extraordinary figures of 5 for 10 the best bowling figures by an Indian woman against Pakistan in T20Is.

Her five-wicket haul also took her tally to 166 wickets, making her the highest wicket-taker in the history of Women’s T20 Internationals, surpassing every bowler before her.

India’s victory was built on contributions across departments. Mandhana rescued the innings after the early collapse with a composed and authoritative knock, while Harmanpreet’s partnership helped stabilise the middle overs. Ghosh then provided the explosive finish that pushed India well beyond Pakistan’s reach.

With the ball, India’s spin attack proved decisive. Deepti and Charani shared eight wickets, while disciplined bowling throughout the innings denied Pakistan any opportunity to build sustained partnerships after the opening stand.

Although Pakistan showed promise in patches, particularly through Muneeba Ali’s innings and their disciplined middle-overs bowling, they were ultimately unable to match India’s depth and execution in key moments.

For India, the 64-run triumph represents an ideal start to the Women’s T20 World Cup. Beyond the two points, the commanding margin of victory and Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking spell provide a significant confidence boost as they prepare for the tougher challenges ahead in their pursuit of the title.