Smriti Mandhana capitalised on two costly mistakes in the field as the India opener struck a fluent 68 against Pakistan in the IND-W vs PAK-W clash at Edgbaston on Sunday.

In a match where fine margins mattered, Pakistan were left to regret letting Mandhana off twice. The India vice-captain made the most of those reprieves, anchoring the innings with a stylish knock that helped the India women's national cricket team gain control against their arch-rivals.

The first chance came early in Mandhana's innings when she was batting on just seven. In the eighth over, Tasmia Rubab induced a mistimed lofted shot from the left-hander towards mid-off. Aliya tracked back and attempted an over-the-shoulder catch but failed to hold on, handing Mandhana an early lifeline in the India vs Pakistan women contest.

Pakistan had another opportunity to send the opener back six overs later, but the fielding troubles continued.

During the 13th over, Mandhana charged down the pitch against Sadia Iqbal and attempted to clear the boundary at deep mid-wicket. The connection was not convincing, but Saira positioned herself underneath the ball near the ropes. However, the catch slipped through her hands and the ball crossed the boundary for six, turning a wicket chance into maximum damage for India.

Mandhana ensured Pakistan paid a heavy price for those missed opportunities. The left-hander settled into her rhythm after the two escapes, mixing elegant drives with confident strokeplay on her way to a well-compiled 68.

The dropped catches soon became one of the biggest talking points of the India vs Pakistan women's clash, with cricket fans reacting on social media to Pakistan's fielding lapses. Many pointed out that in high-pressure encounters such as India versus Pakistan, missed chances can often prove decisive.