India Dominate Pakistan as Mandhana and Deepti Lead the Charge
India opened their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in style with a convincing victory over Pakistan in front of a packed crowd at Birmingham. A brilliant batting display from Smriti Mandhana, a late surge from Richa Ghosh, and a record breaking bowling performance from Deepti Sharma helped India secure a comprehensive win and gain an important boost in net run rate.
India’s innings did not begin smoothly as they slipped to 18 for 2 inside the opening four overs. Shafali Verma departed after an aggressive start while Jemimah Rodrigues also fell cheaply, putting pressure on the middle order.
Mandhana responded with a composed and classy innings that steadied the situation. The left hander found the boundary regularly and capitalized on a couple of missed chances offered by Pakistan in the field. Her elegant stroke play allowed India to rebuild, and she reached her half century from just 34 deliveries before eventually scoring 68 runs.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided useful support during the middle phase as India gradually regained control. However, wickets fell in quick succession after Mandhana’s dismissal, briefly slowing the scoring rate.
That changed dramatically in the closing overs thanks to Richa Ghosh. The wicketkeeper batter produced a powerful unbeaten knock of 34 from only 17 balls. Her attacking approach transformed the innings, especially during a blistering over against Tasmia Rubab that yielded 23 runs. India finished strongly on 170, their highest total against Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Pakistan began the chase positively, reaching 38 without loss. Muneeba Ali looked dangerous and took advantage of several missed opportunities by India’s fielders. However, Deepti Sharma shifted the momentum with crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Gul Feroza and Ayesha Zafar in quick succession.
The turning point arrived when Deepti produced a direct hit to run out Muneeba for 41. From there, Pakistan struggled to maintain momentum as India’s spin attack tightened its grip on the contest.
Debutant Shree Charani impressed with three wickets for 21 runs, while Deepti delivered a masterclass with figures of 5 for 10. Her outstanding spell not only sealed the result but also made her the leading wicket taker in Women’s T20 International cricket.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 106, handing India a commanding 64 run victory and an ideal start to their World Cup journey. Deepti’s all round impact earned her the Player of the Match award in a memorable performance.
