Edgbaston: India secured a comprehensive 64-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston in the group stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, powered by a stellar batting display from Smriti Mandhana and a devastating five-wicket haul by off-spinner Deepti Sharma.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first. Opening batter Smriti Mandhana anchor-led the innings with an aggressive 68 runs off 44 deliveries, a knock that included nine boundaries and two sixes. Mandhana found able support in Kaur, who scored a steady 36 off 35 balls, whilst wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh provided late-innings impetus with a brisk 34 from just 17 balls, boasting a strike rate of 200 per cent. Despite Pakistan's skipper Fatima Sana and left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal picking up two wickets apiece, India successfully posted a formidable total of 170 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Pakistan's run chase struggled to gain momentum under relentless pressure from the Indian bowling unit. Opener Muneeba Ali top-scored for her side with a resilient 41 runs off 35 balls, hitting five boundaries. However, Pakistan lacked significant partnerships as the rest of the batting order collapsed. Aliya Riaz was the only other notable contributor, grinding out 18 runs from 17 deliveries.

The undisputed star of the second innings was India’s Deepti Sharma. The premier all-rounder dismantled the Pakistani batting lineup, returning exceptional figures of 5 wickets for just 10 runs in her four-over spell, maintaining an economy rate of 2.50. Sharma’s masterful spell, alongside a disciplined three-wicket contribution from Shree Charani, who conceded 21 runs in her four overs, ensured Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs.