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The Indian team led by Harmanpreet Kaur registered a thumping 64-run win over Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener on June 14. While it was a good start to their campaign, India’s legendary men’s cricket Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the current batting lineup lacks firepower like England and Australia. He predicted that the current Indian time wouldn’t go very far in the tournament. as they don't have plenty of power-hitting options which will come handy against stronger teams.
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"I am not sure India will go very far in this T20 World Cup because there is a lack of power in the lineup. While India were excellent against Pakistan and their spin attack once again proved decisive, the team still lacks the depth that sides like England and Australia possess. India's combination appears slightly short on power-hitting options, which could become a concern in tougher matches against stronger opponents. Compared to the strong lineups of England and Australia, India's overall team depth remains a significant worry," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.
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After Mandhana’s fifty, Richa goes berserk
Smriti Mandhana played the anchor role, scoring 68 runs from 44 balls. Towards the end, Richa Ghosh helped India finish with a flourish. She scored 34 runs from just 17 balls, including five fours and a six. The other power-hitter in the lineup, Bharti Fulmali couldn't get going and was stumped out for just a single run.
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Deepti, Charani spin a web
At Edgbaston, Birmingham, Indian spinners turned the tide. Deepti Sharma made Pakistan batters dance to her tunes. She hunted with Shree Charani who picked three wickets. Deepti ended up conceding five wickets for just 10 runs in her four overs, the best bowling figures in T20Is for India. Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs. Not just with her off-spin, Deepti also effected a run out, dismissing opener Muneeba Ali who scored 41 runs from 35 balls.
India have been placed in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Pakistan and South Africa. India's next match is on June 17 which they are supposed to win comprehensively. In order to make it to the semifinals, they would need at least three wins in the bag. Four wins would seal their spot in the semifinals.
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