Goa, June 14 -- India made a winning start to their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 64-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday. The win was set up by a brilliant batting display from Smriti Mandhana and a match-winning spell from Deepti Sharma.

After Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and opted to field, India posted a competitive total of 170/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Mandhana led the charge with a fluent 68 off just 44 balls, striking boundaries regularly and keeping the scoreboard moving. Her innings provided the perfect platform for India, while contributions from the middle order ensured the team finished strongly.

Defending 171, India's bowlers dominated from the outset. De...