The India Women vs Pakistan Women rivalry always delivers immense pressure, high expectations, and unmatched intensity. When the two continental rivals locked horns in the 6th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the stakes were incredibly high for both sides in Group A. Set against the historic backdrop of Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, the game was framed as a battle between India’s deep batting order and Pakistan’s resilient bowling attack.
Ultimately, India Women displayed absolute dominance, producing a 64-run victory to kick off their World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion. Despite a sluggish start and early hiccups in the Powerplay, India’s experienced campaigners, Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, steadied the ship. A late-order blitz by Richa Ghosh ensured an imposing total of 170/6. In response, Pakistan crumbled under the relentless pressure of India’s spin attack, headlined by a career-best five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, folding for a mere 106.
Match Overview
- Venue: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
- Toss: India Women won the toss and elected to bat first.
- Match Result: India Women won by 64 runs.
- Winning Margin: 64 runs.
- Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma (5 for 10 in 4 overs and 12 off 9 balls).
Score Summary
The scoreline reflects India’s total command over the proceedings in both halves of the game.
| Team | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
| India Women | 170/6 | 20.0 | 8.50 | Smriti Mandhana 68 (44) | Deepti Sharma 5/10 (4) |
| Pakistan Women | 106/10 | 17.0 | 6.23 | Muneeba Ali 41 (35) | Fatima Sana 2/33 (4) |
First Innings Analysis
India’s innings was a tale of two distinct halves—early caution followed by explosive acceleration. After winning the toss and opting to set a target on a typically good Edgbaston surface, India suffered an unexpected top-order collapse. The dangerous Shafali Verma managed only 6 runs off 5 balls, and Jemimah Rodrigues followed soon after, scoring just 1 off 7 deliveries. This stutter left India reeling at 18/2 inside the first 20 deliveries, putting Pakistan firmly in the driver’s seat. By the end of the Powerplay, India had limped to a cautious 30/2.
However, the defining turning point of the innings arrived through a masterful 91-run partnership for the third wicket between vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Recognizing the need to consolidate, the duo batted sensibly during the middle overs. Kaur played the anchor role, scoring a steady 36 off 35 balls with four boundaries, while Mandhana unleashed her trademark elegance. Mandhana rode her luck—surviving a couple of reprieves from Pakistan’s fielders—to smash a scintillating 68 from just 44 balls, featuring nine boundaries and two towering sixes. Over the next seven overs post-Powerplay, they shifted gears, adding 70 crucial runs.
The death-over execution was where India truly seized the momentum. Once the set batters were dismissed, the stage was set for Richa Ghosh. The powerful wicketkeeper-batter bludgeoned an unbeaten 34 off just 17 balls, striking at an incredible 200.00. Her muscular hitting in the penultimate over—where Pakistan’s left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab leaked 23 runs—broke the opposition’s back and powered India to a formidable 170/6.
Second Innings Analysis
Chasing 171 in a high-pressure World Cup fixture against an elite Indian spin attack required Pakistan to start strongly and build solid foundations. Unfortunately for the Women in Green, their chase never materialized into a genuine threat.
Pakistan’s required run rate climbed aggressively right from the start. Although Muneeba Ali looked in good touch, playing a resilient knock of 41 off 35 balls (featuring 5 fours), she received very little support from the other end. At 58/3 in 7.4 overs, Pakistan still had a glimmer of hope, but the persistent fall of wickets meant they were always playing catch-up.
The pressure mounted exponentially during the middle phase. When Saira Jabeen was dismissed by Shree Charani for 2, Pakistan fell to 58/3. Muneeba Ali’s crucial run-out, executed brilliantly by Deepti Sharma, left them struggling at 75/4 after 11 overs. From there, the innings spiraled completely out of control. Aliya Riaz (18 off 17) and Ayesha Zafar (12 off 8) showed fleeting intent, but it wasn’t nearly enough against India’s strangulating spin. The finishing phase of the chase turned into a procession, as Pakistan slumped to 83/6 in the 13th over and were eventually bowled out for just 106 in 17 overs.
Match-Winning Moments
Several key moments defined the outcome of this Group A clash:
- The Recovery Partnership: The 91-run stand between Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur salvaged the innings from a disastrous 18/2, providing India with the platform required to go big in the death overs.
- Mandhana’s Dropped Catches: Pakistan’s butter-fingered fielders granting lives to Mandhana proved costly, as she capitalized fully to score 68.
- The 23-Run Over: Richa Ghosh tearing into Tasmia Rubab for 23 runs in the 19th over completely demoralized the Pakistan unit and took the target beyond 160, applying massive psychological pressure.
- Muneeba Ali’s Run Out: Just as Muneeba was beginning to accelerate, Deepti Sharma’s sharp work in the field to catch her short of the crease extinguished Pakistan’s final ray of hope.
- Deepti’s Magical Spell: Deepti Sharma’s introduction to the attack resulted in absolute chaos for the Pakistan middle and lower order, sealing the game emphatically.
India Women’s Performance Analysis
Batting
India’s batting showcased immense depth and character. The top order faltered under early pressure, with Shafali and Jemimah misfiring, but the middle order responded like true champions. Mandhana’s timing was pristine, and Kaur’s strike rotation (102.86 strike rate) kept the scoreboard ticking before the fireworks began. Richa Ghosh’s cameo (34 off 17) demonstrated why she is considered one of the most dangerous finishers in world cricket.
Bowling
The bowlers were disciplined, accurate, and ruthless. India relied heavily on spin, which paid massive dividends. Deepti Sharma was virtually unplayable, picking up a staggering 5 wickets for just 10 runs in her 4 overs at an economy of 2.50. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani provided excellent support, claiming 3 for 21 in her quota. Shafali Verma also contributed a handy wicket, effectively utilizing her part-time off-spin.
Fielding
India’s fielding intensity was notably superior to their opponents. They saved crucial runs inside the circle and created pressure that resulted in Muneeba Ali’s pivotal run-out. The sharpness of the Indian fielders consistently forced Pakistan into attempting risky strokes.
Pakistan Women’s Performance Analysis
Batting strengths and weaknesses
Pakistan’s batting performance exposed a stark lack of firepower. Outside of Muneeba Ali’s 41, no batter crossed the 20-run mark. The middle order failed to absorb pressure, and the batters seemed completely out of sync against India’s slower bowlers.
Bowling performance
The pacers started brilliantly. By removing Shafali and Jemimah early, they executed their initial plans perfectly. Captain Fatima Sana returned figures of 2/33, and Sadia Iqbal claimed 2/41. However, their death bowling was completely unraveled by Richa Ghosh. The lack of varied lengths in the final three overs allowed India to add critical late runs.
Tactical decisions
Pakistan’s decision-making in the field faltered during the middle overs. Allowing Mandhana and Kaur to settle through easy singles relieved the early pressure. Additionally, relying on Tasmia Rubab (1/41) in the death overs backfired dramatically.
Areas of concern
Fielding remains a massive concern; dropping an elite batter like Mandhana in a World Cup game is unforgivable. Furthermore, their over-reliance on one or two batters in high-scoring chases requires immediate tactical re-evaluation.
Standout Players
- Deepti Sharma (10/10): The undisputed Player of the Match. A spell of 5/10 in a T20 World Cup is legendary. She strangulated the chase and also contributed 12 quick runs with the bat.
- Smriti Mandhana (9/10): Her 68 off 44 balls was the backbone of India’s innings. She combined sheer elegance with brutal efficiency, hitting 9 fours and 2 sixes.
- Richa Ghosh (8.5/10): Provided the X-factor at the end. Her 34 off 17 balls effectively took the game away from Pakistan.
- Shree Charani (8/10): The left-arm spinner was brilliant, taking 3/21 and offering excellent support to Deepti Sharma.
- Muneeba Ali (7/10): The only Pakistani batter to show real grit, scoring an admirable 41 off 35 balls in an otherwise dismal batting card.
Key Statistics Table
| Statistic | Details |
| Highest Scorer | Smriti Mandhana (68 off 44) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Deepti Sharma (5 for 10) |
| Biggest Partnership | 91 runs (Mandhana & Kaur) |
| Highest Strike Rate (Batting) | Richa Ghosh (200.00) |
| Best Economy Rate (Bowling) | Deepti Sharma (2.50) |
| Total Boundaries (India) | 19 Fours, 4 Sixes |
Biggest Talking Points
- Deepti Sharma’s Masterclass: Her 5/10 is one of the finest bowling spells in T20 World Cup history, showcasing her incredible control and tactical intelligence.
- The Resilience of India’s Middle Order: Rebuilding from a horror start to post 170/6 highlights India’s championship credentials.
- Richa Ghosh’s Power-Hitting: The 23-run 19th over completely altered the psychological landscape of the match.
- Pakistan’s Fielding: Dropping regulation catches proved to be the ultimate difference between a target of 130 and 170.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 Who won IND W vs PAK W in the T20 World Cup 2026?
India Women won the match comprehensively by 64 runs.
Q.2 Who was the Player of the Match?
Deepti Sharma won the Player of the Match for her incredible 5/10 with the ball and 12 runs with the bat.
Q.3 Who scored the most runs in the match?
Smriti Mandhana was the highest run-scorer with a brilliant 68 off 44 deliveries.
Q.4 Where was the match played?
The match was held at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Q.5 What was Pakistan’s final score?
Pakistan Women were bowled out for 106 in exactly 17 overs.
Conclusion
The 6th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 delivered all the drama expected of an India-Pakistan encounter, but it ultimately highlighted a significant gulf in class between the two sides. India’s 64-run victory was built on the foundation of Mandhana’s elegance, Ghosh’s power, and Deepti Sharma’s bowling wizardry.
As India moves forward in Group A, they will carry immense momentum and confidence. For Pakistan, it’s back to the drawing board to fix critical flaws in their fielding and batting depth. If this match is any indicator, the Women in Blue are well on their way to challenging for the ultimate prize in women’s T20 cricket.
