Deepti’s Five-Wicket Magic Powers India to Dominant Win Over Pakistan

Birmingham, June 2026 : India launched their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in commanding fashion with a comprehensive 64-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday. A brilliant all-round performance, led by Deepti Sharma’s career-best spell of 5/10, ensured India began the tournament with two crucial points and a healthy net run rate.

After posting a competitive 170/6 in their allotted 20 overs, India’s spin attack dismantled Pakistan for just 106 in 17 overs, continuing their dominance over their neighbours in Women’s T20 World Cups.

India’s innings was anchored by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who produced a classy knock of 68 runs. The stylish left-hander mixed elegance with aggression, finding boundaries regularly to keep the scoreboard moving. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with a useful 36, while wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided late fireworks with a quickfire 34 to propel India to a formidable total.

Pakistan’s bowlers had moments of success, with skipper Fatima Sana claiming two wickets for 33 runs, while spinner Sadia Iqbal also picked up two scalps. However, they struggled to contain India’s batters during the death overs.

Chasing 171, Pakistan made an encouraging start and appeared determined to challenge India’s total. The Women in Green raced to 52/1 in the powerplay — their highest score in the first six overs against India in Women’s T20 World Cup history.

Muneeba Ali, who survived two dropped chances early in her innings, capitalised on the reprieves with a fluent 41, striking four boundaries. Gull Feroza also looked promising before falling to Deepti Sharma after attempting a reverse sweep.

Despite winning the powerplay battle, Pakistan failed to maintain momentum as India’s spinners tightened their grip in the middle overs. Deepti Sharma proved unplayable, varying her pace cleverly and building relentless pressure through dot balls.

She first dismissed Ayesha Zafar, who swept straight to short fine leg, before India’s left-arm spinner N. Sree Charani joined the party by removing Saira Jabeen. The turning point came when Muneeba was run out by Deepti’s direct hit from backward point, triggering a dramatic collapse.

Pakistan’s innings quickly unraveled thereafter. Captain Fatima Sana fell for a duck to Shafali Verma, while Natalia Pervaiz, Aliya Riaz and Rameen Shamim all succumbed to India’s spin web. Sree Charani impressed with figures of 3/21, complementing Deepti’s sensational performance.

Deepti fittingly wrapped up the innings by taking the final wickets to complete her maiden T20 World Cup five-wicket haul and cap a memorable outing.

With this emphatic win, India have sent out an early warning to the rest of the competition as they continue their quest for a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.

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 in 17 overs (Muneeba Ali 41, Aliya Riaz 18; Deepti Sharma 5/10, N. Sree Charani 3/21)

Result: India won by 64 runs.