Daijiworld Media Network - Birmingham

Birmingham, Jun 14: India launched their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in commanding style, defeating Pakistan by 64 runs at Edgbaston on Sunday, thanks to a sensational all-round bowling display led by Deepti Sharma.

The off-spin all-rounder delivered the finest spell of her T20I career, returning figures of 5 for 10 as Pakistan crumbled under relentless pressure and were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs while chasing a target of 171.

Earlier, India posted a competitive 170 for 6 after a classy innings from Smriti Mandhana and a brisk late cameo from Richa Ghosh. Mandhana anchored the innings with a fluent 68, while Richa provided the finishing touches with an aggressive 34-run knock. Harmanpreet Kaur also made a valuable contribution with 36 runs.

Pakistan began their chase confidently and enjoyed a productive powerplay, racing to 52 for 1 — their highest six-over total against India in Women's T20 World Cup history. Muneeba Ali capitalised on two early reprieves and played several attractive strokes, while Gull Feroza also found boundaries as the Indian bowlers struggled for consistency in the opening overs.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically once India's spin attack entered the contest. Deepti Sharma tightened the screws with her accuracy and variation, creating sustained pressure through dot balls and disciplined lines.

She struck first by dismissing Ayesha Zafar before N. Sree Charani joined the party, removing Saira Jabeen to trigger a collapse.

The turning point arrived when Muneeba, who had top-scored with 41, was run out by a direct hit from Deepti. From that moment, Pakistan's innings unravelled rapidly.

Fatima Sana departed without scoring, while Natalia Pervaiz, Aliya Riaz and Rameen Shamim all fell attempting to rebuild the innings. Deepti and Charani shared the bulk of the wickets as Pakistan lost their final seven wickets for just 31 runs.

Charani finished with impressive figures of 3 for 21, complementing Deepti’s match-winning five-wicket haul.

The comprehensive victory not only handed India their first two points of the tournament but also provided a significant boost to their net run rate, reinforcing their strong record against Pakistan in global events.

Brief Scores:

India 170/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 36, Richa Ghosh 34; Fatima Sana 2/33, Sadia Iqbal 2/41)

Pakistan 106 all out in 17 overs (Muneeba Ali 41, Aliya Riaz 18; Deepti Sharma 5/10, N. Sree Charani 3/21)

India won by 64 runs.