Birmingham: India Women posted a commanding total of 170-6 against Pakistan Women in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston, thanks to a superb half-century from star opener Smriti Mandhana.
According to Beyond Time News, Mandhana played a pivotal role in rebuilding the innings after India suffered early setbacks, scoring an elegant 68 runs from just 44 balls to guide her side to a competitive total in one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.
India Recover After Early Setbacks
The India vs Pakistan encounter began in dramatic fashion when opener Shafali Verma launched the first ball of the match for a six, signaling aggressive intent from the tournament favorites.
However, Pakistan responded immediately. Spinner Sadia Iqbal struck in the opening over to dismiss Verma and provide her side with an early breakthrough.
Pakistan tightened its grip further in the fourth over when Tasmia Rubab removed Jemimah Rodrigues, who managed only one run from seven deliveries. The wicket left India struggling at 18-2 and placed early pressure on the batting lineup.
Mandhana and Harmanpreet Steady the Innings
With India facing difficulties, captain Harmanpreet Kaur joined Smriti Mandhana at the crease. The experienced duo focused on rebuilding the innings and gradually shifted momentum back in India’s favor.
They added a crucial 91-run partnership for the third wicket, stabilizing the innings and frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers.
Mandhana displayed excellent timing and shot selection throughout her knock. She rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, helping India recover from a difficult start.
Meanwhile, Harmanpreet played a composed supporting role, ensuring India maintained momentum during the middle overs.
Mandhana Registers Another T20I Milestone
The stylish left-hander reached her 34th T20 International half-century during the partnership and once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most reliable batters in women’s cricket.
Her innings featured nine boundaries and two sixes, combining elegance with controlled aggression.
As India crossed the 100-run mark, Mandhana accelerated the scoring rate and looked set for an even bigger score before Pakistan finally found a breakthrough.
Spinner Rameen Shamim ended the dangerous stand by dismissing Mandhana for 68, providing Pakistan with a much-needed wicket.
Pakistan Fight Back in Middle Overs
Pakistan continued to battle despite the strong partnership.
Sadia Iqbal claimed her second wicket of the innings when wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali completed a stumping to remove Bharti Fulmali for just one run.
The dismissal reduced India to 110-4 and briefly shifted momentum back toward Pakistan.
Soon afterward, captain Fatima Sana struck another important blow by dismissing Harmanpreet Kaur for 36. Her innings included four boundaries and played a key role in India’s recovery.
At that stage, Pakistan hoped to restrict India to a modest total.
Read more:India Opt to Bat First Against Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup Showdown
Ghosh Provides Late Fireworks
India’s lower middle order ensured the team finished strongly.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh launched an aggressive counterattack during the closing overs. She smashed 34 runs from only 17 deliveries, striking five fours and one six.
Her quick scoring lifted India beyond the 150-run mark and put additional pressure on Pakistan’s bowling attack.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma also contributed valuable runs, remaining unbeaten on 12 as India accelerated in the final overs.
Although Fatima Sana dismissed Ghosh in the last over, India still collected important runs and finished on an imposing 170-6 from their allotted 20 overs.
Pakistan Bowlers Show Resilience
Despite conceding a sizeable total, Pakistan’s bowlers produced several encouraging performances.
Best Bowling Figures
- Sadia Iqbal: 2 wickets
- Fatima Sana: 2 wickets
- Tasmia Rubab: 1 wicket
- Rameen Shamim: 1 wicket
The bowlers successfully removed key Indian batters at crucial stages and prevented the score from climbing even higher.
However, India’s strong partnerships and explosive finish ultimately gave the batting side the upper hand.
Pakistan Face Tough Chase
Chasing 171 for victory, Pakistan Women will require a disciplined and confident batting performance against a strong Indian bowling attack.
The pressure of an India-Pakistan World Cup contest often creates high-intensity moments, and Pakistan’s batters will need to handle that challenge while maintaining a healthy scoring rate throughout the innings.
India, meanwhile, will take confidence from their balanced batting display and look to capitalize on the momentum gained from posting one of the highest totals of the tournament so far.
With both teams aiming for a positive start to their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, the second innings promises another exciting chapter in one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.
FAQs
How many runs did Smriti Mandhana score against Pakistan?
Smriti Mandhana scored 68 runs from 44 balls, including nine fours and two sixes.
What total did India Women post against Pakistan?
India Women finished on 170-6 in their 20 overs.
Who were Pakistan’s leading bowlers?
Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana were the most successful bowlers, taking two wickets each.
How many runs did Harmanpreet Kaur score?
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 36 runs from 35 deliveries.
What target does Pakistan need to chase?
Pakistan Women need 171 runs to win the match.
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