India kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a memorable victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a thrilling Group A encounter at Edgbaston, Birmingham. In front of a packed crowd, India showcased composure under pressure to secure an important win in one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.
After Pakistan posted a competitive total, India’s batting unit responded confidently. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a positive start, with Shafali playing one of the finest innings of her World Cup career. The explosive opener brought up her maiden Women’s T20 World Cup half-century, attacking the Pakistan bowlers from the outset while maintaining excellent control throughout her innings.
Shafali later revealed that batting alongside Smriti Mandhana helped her stay calm during the chase. She credited her experienced opening partner for keeping her focused and encouraging her to play naturally in such a high-pressure contest. Their partnership laid the perfect foundation for India’s successful run chase.
The middle order ensured there were no late hiccups, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. India’s experienced finishers guided the team comfortably to the target, earning two valuable points and strengthening their position in the group standings.
India’s bowlers also played a crucial role earlier in the match by restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities during the middle overs. Tight spells from the spinners and disciplined pace bowling prevented Pakistan from posting a bigger total, leaving the batters with a manageable chase.
The victory was an ideal start to India’s World Cup campaign and provided a significant confidence boost for captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad. With star players delivering in both batting and bowling departments, India once again demonstrated why they are among the strongest contenders for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup title.