A masterclass in off-spin by Deepti Sharma and an anchoring half-century from Smriti Mandhana powered India to a comprehensive 64-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup opener at a sellout Edgbaston on Sunday.
Defending a solid 170/6, India dismantled Pakistan for 106 in 17 overs. Sharma was the destroyer-in-chief, registering historic figures of 5/10 across her four; overs the best-ever bowling performance in women's T20Is. During her spell, she also became the highest wicket-taker in women's T20I history, scaling a career tally of 166 wickets.
The Turnaround and the Finish
Earlier, after India opted to bat, openers Shafali Verma (6) and Jemimah Rodrigues (1) fell early to leave the team stuttering at 18/2. However, vice-captain Mandhana (68 off 44 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes) recovered beautifully, stitching a crucial 91-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (36).
While Pakistan's skipper Fatima Sana (2/33) and Sadia Iqbal (2/41) checkedIndia's progress with quick wickets in the death overs, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided the knockout punch. Ghosh exploded for an unbeaten 34 off just 17 deliveries, looting 23 runs alongside Sharma off debutant Tasmia Rubab in the 19th over to propel India to a commanding total.
Pakistan's Chase Crumbles
Pakistan's response began steadily with opener Muneeba Ali top-scoring with a 35-ball 41. But India's sharp fielding and tactical changes quickly squeezed the run rate. The turning point came in the 11th over when Sharma executed a brilliant direct hit on the run from backward point to run out a dangerous-looking Muneeba.
From 75/4, Pakistan's middle order collapsed under the scoreboard pressure. Sharma returned to tear through the lower order, taking the final three wickets in just five balls. Debutant spinner Shree Charani provided stellar support from the other end, finishing with an impressive 3/21 to wrap up the tail and seal a dominant start for the Women in Blue.
Pakistan's Chase Crumbles
Pakistan's response began steadily with opener Muneeba Ali top-scoring with a 35-ball 41. But India's sharp fielding and tactical changes quickly squeezed the run rate. The turning point came in the 11th over when Sharma executed a brilliant direct hit on the run from backward point to run out a dangerous-looking Muneeba.
From 75/4, Pakistan's middle order collapsed under the scoreboard pressure. Sharma returned to tear through the lower order, taking the final three wickets in just five balls. Debutant spinner Shree Charani provided stellar support from the other end, finishing with an impressive 3/21 to wrap up the tail and seal a dominant start for the Women in Blue.
Pakistan's Chase Crumbles
Pakistan's response began steadily with opener Muneeba Ali top-scoring with a 35-ball 41. But India's sharp fielding and tactical changes quickly squeezed the run rate. The turning point came in the 11th over when Sharma executed a brilliant direct hit on the run from backward point to run out a dangerous-looking Muneeba.
From 75/4, Pakistan's middle order collapsed under the scoreboard pressure. Sharma returned to tear through the lower order, taking the final three wickets in just five balls. Debutant spinner Shree Charani provided stellar support from the other end, finishing with an impressive 3/21 to wrap up the tail and seal a dominant start for the Women in Blue.
Brief Scores
- India: 170/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 36, Richa Ghosh 34; Fatima Sana 2/33, Sadia Iqbal 2/41)
- Pakistan: 106 all out in17 overs (Muneeba Ali 41, Aliya Riaz 18; Deepti Sharma 5/10, Shree Charani 3/21)
- Result: India won by 64 runs.
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