Indian All-rounder Deepti Sharma put in a spectacular performance that won the match, scoring five wickets for just 10 runs. India began the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign by claiming a stunning 64-run win against the arch-rivals Pakistan in Edgbaston on the outskirts of Birmingham on June 15th, 2026.
Match Summary
India as the current 50-over World Champions, opted to bat first and scored 170/6, a respectable total in just 20 overs. In response, Pakistan were bundled out for just 106 over 17 overs. Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking performance of 5/10 over four overs, along with a solid support from her teammates, resulted in an impressive win in the presence of a record-breaking crowd. Deepti was rightfully named” Champion of the Match..
India’s Batting: Recovery and Explosive Finish
India began with slow beginning, with openers Shafali Verma (6) and Jemimah Rodrigues (1) at the start of the game, and then sagging to 18/2. The turning point came by way of a crucial 91-run third wicket partnership between vice-captain Mandhana as well as the captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Mandhana performed a frenzied bowl with 68 from 44 balls. She was studded with nine fours and two sixes. Kaur was steady with a solid 36 from 35 balls, with four boundaries. Then the fast Richa Ghosh was the final speed, scoring 34 in just 17 deliveries, comprising 5 fours and a six. The strong middle and lower order batsmen helped India to reach a respectable score. The Pakistani duo of Sadia Iqbal, and Fatima Sana each took the wickets of two each.
Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
The Pakistani bowlers began well by quickly removing India’s openers and maintaining the pace initially. But they had a difficult time trying to control the pace when Mandhana and Kaur began to settle in. The pacers and spinners also were unable to break up the crucial relationships on a surface that gave a few turns into the later innings.
Pakistan’s Chase: Early Promise, Then Collapse
Pakistan have started their quest with enthusiasm by putting up a 38-run opening stand. Muneeba Ali was the leading scorer, scoring an impressive 41 runs off 35 ball (5 fours). But once the spinners of India came in the batting line-up fell quickly.
India decreased Pakistan to 91/7 before eventually they bowled out for 106. The middle and lower orders were able to withstand the ball that was turning and also accurate bowling.
Deepti Sharma’s Heroic Spell
Deepti Sharma stood out as the main attraction of the evening and finished with a stunning score of 5/10. She shifted her pace well when she was on the track that turned by bowling more slowly in the air and hitting the proper areas. Her innings featured an exciting finish, where she took the final three wickets with a quick succession.
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani gave a stellar support, scoring 3/21 in just four overs. Shafali Verma added an wicket. Deepti’s effort not only secured the victory, but also saw her become the top woman to take a wicket in T20I record.
Record Crowd and Post-Match Reactions
An enormous crowd of 18,814 people -the biggest ever crowd for the female T20 World Cup group stage match — brought an energetic, lively energy at Edgbaston and a strong show of backing for India.
In the post-match ceremony, Deepti expressed gratitude and confidence: “I am very grateful. I really like these kinds of wickets. The credit must go towards the players… I varied my speed… Just be confident and make sure I bowl in the right places.” The bowler also stressed the significance of the Mandhana – Kaur team that changed the pace of the game. While she did not get wickets during warm-ups Deepti did not seem to be frightened, believing in her abilities to produce when it was needed.
Looking Ahead
This win is a powerful message as India starts their title defense ambitions during the tournament. The impressive display of balls and bats, aided by Deepti’s incredible performance, provides a positive vibe for the remainder of the tournament.