India Defeat Pakistan by 64 Runs in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Opener
Birmingham, June 14, 2026 – Pakistan Women’s cricket team endured a disappointing start to their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign after suffering a 64-run defeat against arch-rivals India in their Group 1 match at Edgbaston on Sunday.
Despite a determined effort from captain Fatima Sana and opening batter Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Pakistan were unable to chase down a challenging target of 171 and were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs.
Pakistan Struggle in Run Chase
Chasing 171 for victory, Pakistan began positively as Muneeba Ali Siddiqui and Gull Feroza added 38 runs for the opening wicket. Muneeba played a fighting knock of 41 runs from 35 deliveries, striking five boundaries, while Gull contributed 12 runs.
However, Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to build partnerships after the first wicket. Ayesha Zafar scored 12 runs, while Saira Jabeen managed only 2 before departing. The turning point came when Muneeba was run out in the 11th over, leaving Pakistan under pressure at 75 for 4.
Experienced batter Aliya Riaz added 18 runs from 17 balls, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Indian spinner Deepti Sharma delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 5 wickets for just 10 runs in her four-over spell. Shree Charani also impressed with figures of 3 for 21.
India Recover Strongly After Early Setbacks
Earlier, Pakistan made an excellent start with the ball after winning the toss and choosing to field. Sadia Iqbal removed Shafali Verma for 6 in the opening over, while T20 World Cup debutant Tasmia Rubab dismissed Jemimah Rodrigues for just 1 run, reducing India to 18 for 2.
India then rebuilt their innings through a crucial partnership between Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana played a brilliant innings of 68 runs off 44 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes. Harmanpreet supported her with a valuable 36-run contribution.
In the final overs, Richa Ghosh accelerated the scoring with an aggressive 34 from just 17 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 170 for 6 in 20 overs.
Historic Milestone for Fatima Sana
Although Pakistan ended on the losing side, captain Fatima Sana achieved a significant personal milestone. She became the first Pakistani fast bowler to reach 50 wickets in Women’s T20 Internationals, further strengthening her place among the country’s leading pace bowlers.
Fatima finished with figures of 2 for 33, while Sadia Iqbal also claimed two wickets.
Match Summary
India Women: 170/6 (20 overs)
- Smriti Mandhana 68
- Harmanpreet Kaur 36
- Richa Ghosh 34
- Fatima Sana 2/33
- Sadia Iqbal 2/41
Pakistan Women: 106 all out (17 overs)
- Muneeba Ali Siddiqui 41
- Aliya Riaz 18
- Deepti Sharma 5/10
- Shree Charani 3/21
Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma (India)
Pakistan’s Upcoming Fixtures in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
- 17 June: Pakistan vs South Africa – Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 20 June: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Hampshire Bowl, Southampton
- 23 June: Pakistan vs Australia – Headingley, Leeds
- 27 June: Pakistan vs Netherlands – Bristol County Ground, Bristol
Pakistan will now look to recover quickly as they prepare for a crucial encounter against South Africa in their second group-stage match.
Read More:
India beat Pakistan by 64 runs in their T20 World Cup opener
