Last Updated on 23 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Nothing matches the electricity of an India vs Pakistan cricket match, and the Women in Blue just amplified that buzz tenfold at Birmingham. Stepping onto the turf for their first group stage match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, India faced immense pressure. However, the squad channelled that intensity beautifully, walking away with a crushing 64-run victory that puts the rest of the tournament on high alert.
The match did not start as a cakewalk. Early tremors left India sweating at 18 for 2, but vice captain Smriti Mandhana transformed the game. She blended gorgeous timing with raw power, anchoring the innings with a blistering 68 off 44 balls. Once she broke the shackles, Richa Ghosh provided the knockout punch. Richa’s daring finish – a rapid 34 off just 17 deliveries – shifted the momentum entirely and pushed the team total to a formidable 170 for 6.
Pakistan started their chase with aggressive intent during the powerplay, but India’s spin bowling unit quickly strangled their progress. Deepti Sharma spearheaded the attack, dismantling the batting lineup with a career best 5 for 10. Along with her lethal accuracy, she executed a brilliant direct hit run out, adding complete misery to Pakistan’s collapse as they folded for 106. The historic night also officially crowned Deepti as the all time leading wicket taker in Women’s T20 International history.
IND-W vs PAK-W Reactions: India too good in Women’s T20 World Cup
Here is how cricket legends, prominent experts, and official voices reacted to the blockbuster clash on X (formerly Twitter).
“India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with an outstanding all-round performance. And what a dynamic performance by Deepti Sharma Congratulations, Team India!” wrote Jhulan Goswami.
“Congratulations to Team India on a dominant display and a perfect start to the tournament. A fantastic team effort today, with a special mention to @Deepti_Sharma06 for scaling the 350 international wickets milestone,” wrote Mithali Raj.
Next up for India is a blockbuster against South Africa on Sunday June 21. Pakistan will be looking to bounce back against Bangladesh on Saturday June 20.
