Mandhana, Deepti star as India hammer Pakistan in world cup opener

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Jun 15, 2026

Half century from Smriti Mandhana and a record-breaking five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma powered India to a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan in their Women's T20 World Cup opener in Birmingham.

After being reduced to 18-2 early, India recovered through Mandhana's fluent 68 and a 36-run contribution from captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh then provided the late fireworks with a rapid 34 off 17 balls, helping India collect 60 runs from the final six overs and post 170-6, their highest T20 World Cup total against Pakistan.

Pakistan made a brisk start in reply, with opener Muneeba Ali scoring 41 and guiding her side to 38 without loss.

However, Deepti turned the game decisively in India's favour, striking twice in the middle overs before producing a direct-hit run-out to dismiss Muneeba and trigger a collapse.

Debutant spinner Shree Charani also impressed with 3-21 as Pakistan lost wickets regularly. Deepti finished with outstanding figures of 5-10, becoming the leading wicket-taker in women's T20Is, as Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in the 17th over.

The emphatic victory gives India a valuable boost in net run rate in a highly competitive group.