- Wed, March 16, 2022
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India launched their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in style with a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston. The defending champions delivered a complete performance with both bat and ball to secure two crucial points in their opening Group B encounter.
Batting first, India recovered from an early setback thanks to a superb innings from Smriti Mandhana. The left-hander anchored the innings with a fluent 68 off 44 balls, striking boundaries at regular intervals and building momentum through the middle overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with a valuable 36, while Richa Ghosh provided the late fireworks with a quick 34 off 17 deliveries.
India finished on 170/6 in 20 overs, a total that proved beyond Pakistan's reach.
Pakistan started their chase positively as Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza attacked during the powerplay. However, the game turned dramatically once India's spinners took control.
The star of the night was Deepti Sharma, who produced a sensational spell of 5/10, the best figures of her T20 World Cup career. The experienced all-rounder dismantled Pakistan's middle order and also played a key role in the run-out of Muneeba Ali, who top-scored with 41.
Pakistan's innings lost momentum after the dismissal of their set batters and eventually folded for 106 in 18.5 overs, handing India a convincing 64-run victory.
The win gives India a strong net run-rate boost and reinforces their status as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. For Pakistan, the focus will now shift to regrouping quickly and improving their execution in the upcoming matches.
Scorecard Summary
India Women – 170/6 (20 Overs)
Smriti Mandhana – 68 (44)
Harmanpreet Kaur – 36
Richa Ghosh – 34 (17)
Pakistan Women – 106 All Out (18.5 Overs)
Muneeba Ali – 41
Deepti Sharma – 5/10
Shree Charani – Key support wickets
Result: India Women won by 64 runs
Player of the Match
Deepti Sharma (India) – 5/10
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