India smashed Pakistan by 64 runs in opening match of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Birmingham Sunday. Smriti Mandhana lit up the game with a quickfire half-century,while Deepti Sharma's bowling tore through Pakistan's lineup with five wickets for 10 runs.
India batted first after winning toss but stumbled early,losing Shafali Verma for 6 and Jemimah Rodrigues for 1,struggling at 18 runs . But Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur anchored innings with 91-run stand. Mandhana smashed 68 off 44 balls,packed with nine boundaries and two sixes. Kaur added 36 off 35 .
Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh gave late push,hitting 34 off 17 balls, taking India to 170 for 6 in 20 overs. Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana took two wickets each,but Indian batters had done enough.
Pakistan started chase with 38-run opening stand. But Indian bowlers dismantled them, leaving them at 91 for 7, eventually bowled out for 106 in 17 overs. Muneeba Ali was Pakistan's top scorer with 41 off 35 balls.
India's spinners dominated,with Sharma's five-for earning her Player of Match . Shree Charani also shined,taking 3 for 21 in four overs. Shafali Verma added one more.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar praised team on social media, missing match due to travel. “Just landed and caught up with result . Looks like I missed special performance . Smriti’s innings and Deepti’s haul will earn praise,but contributions from Shree Charani,Richa Ghosh,and rest made this complete performance. Great start to campaign!!”
Devajit Saikia, secretary of BCCI,lauded team’s approach, saying victory sets positive tone for tournament . He praised their “disciplined and clinical performance,” noting win over Pakistan as commendable start.
As reigning 50-over champs, India now eyes both titles in 50-over and 20-over formats . Can they keep momentum…?
