Record Crowd Witnesses Deepti Sharma Masterclass as India Storm Past Pakistan

Record Crowd Witnesses Deepti Sharma Masterclass as India Storm Past Pakistan

All Images by Mark Dunn Photography

BIRMINGHAM – The atmosphere at Edgbaston was electric on Sunday as 18,814 fans, a record-breaking crowd for an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup group stage match watched India launch their 2026 title bid with a commanding 64-run victory over rivals Pakistan.

India Fans celerbrating

The triumph was anchored by an imperious 68 from Smriti Mandhana and a historic five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, signaling India’s intent in Group A.

Smriti Mandhana (Captain)

Mandhana and Ghosh Provide the Fireworks

Electing to bat, India faced early pressure as Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues fell within the first four overs. However, Mandhana steadied the ship, finding her rhythm to reach a brilliant 34-ball half-century.

Richa Ghosh (India) batting

Despite a few lapses in the field from Pakistan, Mandhana capitalized on her opportunities, anchored by a crucial 91-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (36).

Mandhana batting

While Pakistan managed a brief fightback to restrict the middle order, Richa Ghosh delivered a scintillating late-innings cameo, blasting 34 off just 17 balls. Her explosive finish propelled India to a total of 170/6: their highest-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup score against their arch-rivals.

Richa Ghosh batting

Sharma’s Spin Stranglehold

Chasing a daunting 171, Pakistan made a positive start, racing to 52 for no loss during the powerplay. However, the momentum shifted dramatically once India introduced their spinners.

Deepti Sharma proved unplayable, breaking the opening partnership and sparking a middle-order collapse. Supported brilliantly by Sree Charani (3/21), the Indian spin attack systematically dismantled the Pakistan lineup.

Deepti Sharma bowling

The innings culminated in a stunning final over from Sharma, who claimed three wickets to finish with career-best T20I figures of 5/10. Pakistan were ultimately bowled out for 106 in just 17 overs.

India Celebrations

The Match at a Glance

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Result: India won by 64 runs

India: 170/6 (20 overs) – Smriti Mandhana 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 36

Pakistan: 106 all out (17 overs) – Muneeba Ali 41, Deepti Sharma 5/10

What’s Next:

India’s campaign continues this Wednesday as they travel to Headingley to face the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Pakistan remains at Edgbaston to regroup for a crucial encounter against South Africa on the same evening.

India Celebrations