Smriti Mandhana’s elegant half-century and Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking five-wicket haul steered India to a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan in their Women’s T20 World Cup opener at Edgbaston on Sunday.
India posted 170 for 6 in 20 overs, riding on Mandhana’s stylish 68 off 44 balls and Richa Ghosh’s explosive 34 off 17 deliveries. In reply, Pakistan were bundled out for 106 in 17 overs as Deepti (5 for 10) delivered a match-winning spell, becoming the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 Internationals.
After a shaky start that saw Shafali Verma (6) and Jemimah Rodrigues (1) fall cheaply, India recovered through a crucial 91-run stand between Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (36 off 35 balls). The duo steadied the innings before accelerating through the middle overs.
Mandhana was in sublime touch, timing the ball beautifully through the off-side and punishing loose deliveries with ease. She brought up her fifty off just 34 balls, striking nine boundaries and two sixes. However, she was eventually dismissed by Rameen Shamim after miscuing a shot that was safely taken by Fatima Sana.
Harmanpreet mixed caution with aggression, using sweeps and powerful strokes off the back foot, but fell after being caught at square leg following a flick off Fatima Sana. India briefly stumbled again before Richa Ghosh provided a late flourish, particularly targeting Tasmia Rubab in the penultimate over.
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Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum as Deepti Sharma produced a devastating spell, removing key batters with precision and control. She also effected a sharp direct hit to run out Muneeba Ali, who top-scored with 41.
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani supported brilliantly with 3 for 21, while Shafali Verma chipped in with a wicket. Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled against India’s disciplined spin attack on a surface offering turn and grip.
Only Muneeba showed resistance as Pakistan collapsed under sustained pressure, eventually folding well short of the target.
Earlier, India capitalised on Pakistan’s fielding lapses, including dropped chances off Mandhana, to build a strong total that proved decisive.
With this emphatic win, India made a strong start to their campaign, combining top-order batting firepower with a clinical bowling performance.
Brief Scores
India: 170/6 (Mandhana 68, Ghosh 34; Fatima Sana 2/33, Sadia Iqbal 2/41)
Pakistan: 106 all out (Muneeba Ali 41; Deepti Sharma 5/10, Shree Charani 3/21)
India won by 64 runs
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