Swayam Khandgepatil : Navimumbailive.com@gmail.com
New Delhi: The Indian women’s cricket team began its campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in emphatic fashion, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 64 runs in their opening match on Sunday. A brilliant all-round performance, highlighted by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s fluent half-century and Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul, helped India secure a commanding victory.
Chasing a challenging target of 171, Pakistan were bundled out for 106 in 17 overs despite a fighting knock from Muneeba Ali. The result marked India’s biggest-ever victory over Pakistan in Women’s T20 Internationals.
Pakistan got off to a steady start through Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, who added 38 runs for the opening wicket. India missed a couple of early opportunities, but Deepti Sharma eventually broke the partnership in the fifth over when Feroza was caught by Bharati Fulmali for 12.
The wickets then began to tumble at regular intervals. Deepti struck again in the seventh over to dismiss Ayesha Zafar for 12, while Shree Charani removed Syeda Aroob Shah in the following over.
Muneeba continued to anchor Pakistan’s innings and looked set for a bigger score before Deepti produced a moment of brilliance in the field. A sharp direct hit from the bowler’s end caught Muneeba short of her crease as she attempted a quick single with Natalia Pervaiz. Muneeba departed after scoring 41 off 35 balls, including five boundaries.
India tightened their grip on the contest as captain Fatima Sana was dismissed for a duck, caught by Smriti Mandhana off Shafali Verma’s bowling. Shree Charani then removed Natalia Pervaiz and Rameen Shamim, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble.
Deepti wrapped up the innings in style, dismissing Aliya Riaz (18), Tasmia Rubab (0), and Nashra Sandhu (4) in the 17th over to complete a sensational five-wicket haul and seal a dominant Indian victory.
Deepti Sharma finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 10 in four overs, while Shree Charani claimed three wickets. Shafali Verma chipped in with one wicket.
Earlier, India posted a competitive 170 for 6 after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a superb 68 off 44 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a valuable 36 off 35 deliveries.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided the late fireworks, smashing 34 off just 17 balls, including five fours and a six, to propel India to a formidable total.
For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana picked up two wickets each, while Tasmia Rubab and Rameen Shamim claimed one apiece.
With a convincing victory over their biggest rivals, India have made a perfect start to their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign and sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament contenders.
