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Edgbaston: Smriti Mandhana struck a brilliant half-century while Richa Ghosh provided the finishing flourish as India posted a competitive 170/6 in 20 overs against Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston on Sunday.
After captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat, India endured a shaky start, slipping to 18/2 within the first four overs.
Mandhana then steadied the innings with a composed and attacking knock, scoring 68 runs off 44 deliveries, including nine fours and two sixes.
The left-hander shared a crucial 91-run partnership off 63 balls with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, helping India recover from the early blows and regain momentum.
Harmanpreet contributed 36 runs off 35 balls before being dismissed in the latter stages of the innings.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided the late acceleration, smashing an unbeaten 34 off just 17 balls.
In the final over, she capitalised on a full toss from Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, sweeping it for a boundary before benefiting from five wides that raced to the fence, helping India cross the 170-run mark.
India's total of 170/6 gives the bowlers a strong platform as Pakistan begin their chase in a high-profile clash between the arch-rivals at the Women's T20 World Cup.
