The Women’s T20 World Cup burst into life with an electrifying contest as India’s formidable squad launched their campaign, securing a resounding 64-run triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan. A packed Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham pulsed with an electric atmosphere, witnessing a clinical performance fueled by Smriti Mandhana’s elegant batting and Deepti Sharma’s masterful spin.
Sharma, already a celebrated figure from India’s Women’s ODI World Cup victory just months prior, once again delivered a standout performance. She dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, claiming an incredible five wickets for just 10 runs, spinning out the final three in a mere five deliveries. This late burst allowed India to successfully defend their challenging total of 170 on a Sunday afternoon, solidifying her position as the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20 history with 166 scalps.
India’s innings, however, wasn’t without its early anxieties. They labored through the power play, but a pivotal moment arrived when opener Smriti Mandhana, at 27, was granted a reprieve after being dropped. This narrow escape seemed to ignite a fire within her, and she unleashed a flurry of strokes, racing to her fifty in just 10 more balls. Despite another drop and a concussion check after a top-edged shot, Mandhana continued her aggressive display, eventually departing for a magnificent 68, having smacked nine boundaries.
A mini-collapse ensued after Mandhana’s departure, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur for 36, leaving India at 132-5 in the 19th over. Doubts about reaching a competitive total lingered briefly. Yet, Richa Ghosh, the dynamic batter, provided a late explosion, smashing 34 off a mere 17 balls. Her partnership with Sharma plundered 23 runs from debutant Tasmia Rubab’s over, pushing India to a daunting 170. “If it is in my hands, I would love to send her on the first ball,” Kaur remarked, praising Ghosh’s impact.
India’s Dominance in the Women’s T20 World Cup
Pakistan’s chase began with some promise, but Sharma’s early breakthroughs quickly turned the tide. Muneeba Ali, dropped twice, looked set to anchor the innings, but a brilliant direct hit run-out from backward point by Sharma cut short her efforts at 41. When captain Fatima Sana fell shortly after, Pakistan’s challenge crumbled, eventually being bowled out for a paltry 106. India’s historical dominance over their neighbors in World Cup encounters, across both T20 and 50-over formats, continued unabated. Notably, the Indian team, mirroring their male counterparts, chose not to exchange handshakes with the Pakistani squad for the second consecutive World Cup meeting.
Meanwhile, on the very same pitch, Bangladesh pulled off a spectacular record chase against the Netherlands in their inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup match. Chasing 139-8, Bangladesh successfully reached 141-4 with five balls to spare, marking their highest successful World Cup chase to date. Opener Juairiya Ferdous, despite two dropped chances early in her innings, set a robust foundation with a brilliant 50 off 33 balls, her second T20 half-century. Her aggressive start, contributing 33 of 47 runs in the power play, put Bangladesh firmly on track.
Although Dutch spinners briefly slowed the scoring, an unbeaten 56-run partnership between Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter ultimately sealed Bangladesh’s fourth win in seven T20 World Cups. The ongoing tournament, sanctioned by the international cricket governing body, promises more enthralling clashes as teams vie for glory. Looking ahead, defending champions New Zealand are set to clash with Sri Lanka, while hosts England will face Ireland on Tuesday.
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