India begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign by beating arch-rivals Pakistan by 64 runs in Group One at Edgbaston. India post 170/6, with Smriti Mandhana top-scoring on 68 off 44 balls. After early dismissals leave India at 18/2, Mandhana helps the team rebuild, including a 91-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Harmanpreet contributes 36, while Richa Ghosh accelerates late with a quickfire 34 off 17 as India reach a total of 170/6.
In Pakistan’s chase, Deepti Sharma takes centre stage, taking five wickets as Pakistan are bowled out for 106. Multiple reports highlight Deepti’s spell as key to restricting Pakistan and turning the match in India’s favour. Pakistan’s notable contributors with the ball include Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal, who each take two wickets for Pakistan, but they cannot stop India from securing a decisive win. The victory gives India a winning start in their tournament opener against Pakistan.
