India began their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a dominant 64-run victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday. Smriti Mandhana's elegant half-century and Deepti Sharma's sensational five-wicket haul powered the team to a comprehensive win.
Mandhana's Masterclass
Smriti Mandhana played a classy knock of 68 runs off 44 balls, anchoring the Indian innings. Her innings was laced with nine boundaries and two sixes, showcasing her trademark elegance. She reached her half-century in just 34 balls, with a delightful six off left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab and exquisite inside-out boundaries off off-spinner Rameen Shamim.
Mandhana found support from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 36 off 35 balls. The duo added 91 runs for the third wicket after early dismissals of Shafali Verma (6) and Jemimah Rodrigues (1) had India in trouble at 18 for 2. However, they rebuilt the innings cautiously, adding 70 runs in the next seven overs.
Richa Ghosh's Cameo
Richa Ghosh provided the final flourish with a muscular 34 off just 17 balls. Her explosive batting in the penultimate over, where left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab conceded 23 runs, broke Pakistan's backbone. India eventually posted a winning total of 170 for 6.
Mandhana was dropped twice by Pakistan's fielders, with regulation chances going down. She was dropped off Rubab's bowling at mid-off and later saw a big hit slip through the palms of the fielder at wide long-on, resulting in a six. The unlucky bowler was left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal.
Deepti's Dominance with the Ball
Deepti Sharma was unplayable on the Edgbaston track, picking up a career-best 5 for 10 in 4 overs. She also became the highest wicket-taker in the history of Women's T20 Internationals during her spell. Her direct throw ended Muneeba Ali's innings, who top-scored for Pakistan with 41 off 35 balls.
Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, folding for a meagre 106 in 17 overs. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani supported Deepti with figures of 3 for 21, while Shafali Verma also chipped in with a wicket. Only Muneeba offered resistance, but the rest of the batting order failed to cope with the spin-friendly conditions.
Key Moments
- Mandhana's 44-ball 68 included nine fours and two sixes.
- Deepti Sharma's 5 for 10 is her best bowling performance in T20Is.
- India's total of 170 for 6 proved too much for Pakistan.
- Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs.
With this win, India made a strong start to their Women's T20 World Cup campaign, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling.
