A sensational five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma powered India to a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan in their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday in Birmingham.
Deepti Sharma produced a match-winning spell of 5/10, helping bowl out Pakistan for 106 in 17 overs as they chased a target of 171.
India’s spin attack completely dominated the contest, with Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma and Shree Charani combining to claim nine wickets and dismantle Pakistan’s batting line-up.
Chasing 171, Pakistan made a promising start through openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, collecting eight runs from the opening over. However, Shreyanka Patil quickly tightened the scoring rate with a disciplined second over.
The Pakistani openers responded aggressively, taking on Kranti Gaud and Patil to keep the scoreboard moving. But just when Pakistan appeared to be settling in, Deepti Sharma provided India with the crucial breakthrough.
Gull Feroza attempted a reverse sweep but mistimed the shot, offering a catch to Bhatri Fulmali at backward point. Deepti struck again shortly afterwards, dismissing Ayesha Zafar, who was making her first Women’s T20 World Cup appearance in eight years.
Pakistan’s hopes rested on Muneeba Ali, who survived two dropped chances on 6 and 20. However, Deepti Sharma ended her innings with a direct-hit run out, removing the opener for 35 and leaving Pakistan struggling.
The match swung decisively in India’s favour as Pakistan collapsed from 75/4 to 91/7, losing three wickets in just 3.4 overs.
Deepti Sharma then wrapped up the innings in style, claiming three wickets in her final over to complete her five-wicket haul and seal a comprehensive victory for India.
Earlier, India recovered from an early wobble to post 170/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant half-century from Smriti Mandhana and a late cameo from Richa Ghosh.
After electing to bat first, India suffered an early setback when Shafali Verma was dismissed for 6 by Sadia Iqbal. The situation worsened when Jemimah Rodrigues departed for 1, leaving India at 20/2 in the fourth over.
With India under pressure, Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a crucial 91-run partnership. Mandhana led the recovery with a fluent 68 off 44 balls, striking nine boundaries and two sixes.
At the other end, Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a composed 36 off 35 deliveries, helping India cross the 100-run mark.
Pakistan fought back during the latter stages of the innings. Rameen Shamim dismissed Mandhana to break the partnership, while Sadia Iqbal removed Bharti Fulmali for 1. Harmanpreet Kaur also fell soon after, with Fatima Sana claiming the wicket.
At 129/5 in the 17th over, India appeared in danger of finishing below par. However, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma launched a late assault, adding 45 runs from just 21 deliveries.
The pair took 23 runs from an over bowled by Tasmia Rubab, shifting momentum back in India’s favour. Richa Ghosh smashed 34 off 17 balls, including five fours and a six, while Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 12 off nine balls.
Their late fireworks propelled India to a competitive total, which ultimately proved far beyond Pakistan’s reach as Deepti Sharma’s outstanding bowling performance sealed a memorable victory for the Women in Blue in their tournament opener.
