India made the perfect start to their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston, inspired by a record-breaking bowling display from Sharma.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India recovered from an early wobble to post an impressive 170/6 from their 20 overs. Pakistan struck twice inside the opening four overs, dismissing Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues to leave India under pressure at 18/2.
Smriti Mandhana led the response with a superb 68, combining with captain Harmanpreet Kaur in a vital partnership that steadied the innings and shifted momentum back in India’s favour. Harmanpreet added 36 as the pair guided India beyond the 100-run mark before accelerating in the middle overs.
Pakistan fought back through the latter stages of the innings, but Richa Ghosh’s explosive 34 from just 17 deliveries ensured India finished strongly. The wicketkeeper-batter dominated the closing overs to help India set a challenging target of 171.
Pakistan’s reply began positively, with Muneeba Ali anchoring the chase. However, the contest turned decisively in India’s favour when Sharma produced a direct-hit run out to remove the opener and spark a collapse.
Having already made early breakthroughs with the ball, Sharma took complete control of the innings as Pakistan’s batting line-up struggled to cope with the pressure. The off-spinner claimed a sensational fifer, finishing with figures of 5/10 – the best bowling figures in Women’s T20 International history – while also becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 106 in 17 overs as India secured an emphatic victory to open their World Cup campaign in style at Edgbaston.