BIRMINGHAM - Pakistan's ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign started on a disappointing note as they suffered a comprehensive 64-run defeat against arch-rivals India at Edgbaston on Sunday.
Chasing a challenging target of 171, Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs despite a fighting effort from opener Muneeba Ali, as India claimed a convincing victory to begin their tournament on a high note.
Pakistan made a promising start to the chase, with Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza adding 38 runs for the opening wicket. However, India gradually tightened their grip on the contest through disciplined bowling, led by off-spinner Deepti Sharma.
After Gull Feroza departed for 12, Muneeba and Ayesha Zafar attempted to rebuild the innings, but Pakistan lost momentum when Ayesha was dismissed for 12. Muneeba continued to anchor the chase and top-scored with a composed 41 off 35 deliveries, striking five boundaries, before a crucial run-out left Pakistan struggling at 75-4.
The middle order failed to recover from the setback as captain Fatima Sana was dismissed without scoring, while Natalia Pervaiz and Rameen Shamim were unable to make significant contributions. Pakistan then lost their remaining wickets in quick succession as the required run rate continued to climb. Deepti Sharma proved the chief destroyer, producing a superb spell of 5-10 in four overs, while Shree Charani claimed three wickets to wrap up the innings.
Earlier, Pakistan did well to fight back after a shaky start by India. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal struck twice in the powerplay, removing Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, while Fatima Sana also picked up two wickets. However, Smriti Mandhana and Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur turned the match with a vital 91-run partnership. Mandhana led the charge with an elegant 68 off 44 balls, while Harmanpreet contributed 36. A late cameo from Richa Ghosh, who blasted 34 off 17 deliveries, lifted India to a formidable 170-6.
For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana finished with two wickets each, while Tasmia Rubab and Rameen Shamim claimed one apiece. Pakistan will now look to regroup quickly and bounce back in their next fixture as they seek to keep their World Cup campaign on track after a difficult opening-day defeat.
