India Secures Dominant Win Over Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup Opener
India initiated their Women's Twenty20 World Cup campaign with a 64-run victory against Pakistan on Sunday. The match, held at Edgbaston, saw India dominate from the outset after electing to bat first. Opener Smriti Mandhana was a key contributor with 68 runs from 44 balls, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking five wickets for 10 runs. The rivalry fixture also established a new attendance record for a group stage match in the women’s T20 World Cup.
India commenced their Women's Twenty20 World Cup journey with a decisive 64-run triumph over Pakistan. The opening group game of the tournament, played at Edgbaston on Sunday, saw India control the match after captain Harmanpreet Kaur's side elected to bat first.
Opener Smriti Mandhana led India's batting effort, scoring 68 runs off 44 deliveries, which included nine fours and two sixes. Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 36 runs with four fours, and wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh added a quick-fire 34 runs, featuring five fours and a six, maintaining pressure on Pakistan's bowlers.
Pakistan's run chase proved challenging against India's spinners. All-rounder Deepti Sharma was a standout performer, securing figures of 5 wickets for 10 runs. She initiated Pakistan's collapse by running out opener Muneeba Ali, who was Pakistan's top-scorer with 41 runs. Sharma also dismissed Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar.
As Pakistan struggled, leg-spinner Sree Charani claimed three wickets, further tightening India's grip on the match. Pakistan's innings saw a rapid decline from 75-3 to 79-6, with Sharma delivering critical blows by removing Nashra Sundhu and Tasmia Rubab.
Beyond the on-field action, the match between the rival teams set a new attendance record for a group stage match at the women’s T20 World Cup. A crowd of 18,814 spectators surpassed the previous record of 15,935, which was set during India’s clash with Pakistan in Dubai in 2024.
(Source: Dawn Pakistan)
