India bulldozed Pakistan by 64 runs to start their Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with a bang in Birmingham on June 14. Speaking after the match, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur extended her gratitude to the Indian fans for their overwhelming support and showered praise on senior players Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma for consistently stepping up to push the team forward.
ALSO READ: Huge blow to England, star player ruled out of second Test against New Zealand
Harmanpreet Kaur lauds Richa Ghosh after India rout Pakistan
The captain also lauded star wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh for executing her role to perfection despite her naturally aggressive batting instincts. Ghosh cracked a blistering 17-ball 34 which helped India post a competitive total. While Kaur jokingly admitted she would love to send the explosive batter out from the very first ball, she emphasised the importance of team balance and commended Ghosh's maturity. Kaur further credited India's sharp fielding display and their ability to safely hold onto catches as the definitive x-factors behind the win, while reminding everyone that every single group-stage match remains vital in such a highly competitive tournament.
"Yeah, definitely. Very happy and firstly, I want to thank all Indian fans. They've been amazing. They've been there for us. So, we really, really want to thank them. (On Smriti and Deepti rising to the occasion) Whenever we need, they're always there to push the team. So, really happy the way they both played today. (What did you make of the pitch and conditions here?) Well, I think it was a decent pitch, but I think initially we unnecessarily put pressure on us. But after that, when Smriti and I was batting, we tried to control the game and then we got what we wanted. (When does she want Richa to come out to bat?) If it's in my hand, I would love to send her on the first ball. But I think she has some role to play and she's doing really well and really happy the way she played today," Harmanpreet said at the post match presentation.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh kick off Women's T20 World Cup campaign with 6-wicket win over Netherlands
India crush Pakistan in campaign opener
The foundation for India's resounding win was laid earlier in the day when India opted to bat first and posted a formidable 170/6 in their 20 overs. Mandhana led the charge with a sublime 68 off 44 balls, a classy knock decorated with nine boundaries and two sixes, before Richa Ghosh provided the late fireworks with a rapid 34 off just 17 deliveries.
In reply, Pakistan's chase never truly got off the ground. Buoyed by a majestic, career-best five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, the clinical Indian bowling attack dismantled the opposition, skittling Pakistan out for just 106 runs in 17 overs to seal an emphatic opening win.