Richa Ghosh once again demonstrated why she is one of India’s most dangerous finishers, producing a blistering late cameo to help India secure a comprehensive 64-run victory over Pakistan in their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup at Edgbaston.
In a contest played before a vibrant and largely Asian-origin crowd, India posted 170 before restricting Pakistan well short of the target. The result handed the Women in Blue a crucial winning start in a challenging group that also features Australia and South Africa.
India’s innings began with immediate excitement as Shafali Verma launched the very first ball of the match for six, effortlessly clearing long-off. Pakistan responded quickly, however, with Sadia Iqbal dismissing Shafali in the following over. The pressure increased when Jemimah Rodrigues departed soon after, leaving India in need of stability.
That responsibility fell to vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The experienced pair steadied the innings with a valuable 91-run partnership for the third wicket. Mandhana, who arrived at the tournament searching for form, struck 68 from 44 balls, including nine boundaries and two sixes. Harmanpreet contributed a composed 36 from 35 deliveries as the duo rebuilt after the early setbacks.
Pakistan appeared to gain momentum when India slipped from 109 for two to 123 for five, raising hopes of limiting the total. Those hopes were short-lived.
Richa Ghosh changed the course of the match with a breathtaking knock of 34 from just 17 balls. Her innings, featuring five fours and a six, transformed a respectable total into a formidable one. Alongside Deepti Sharma, she launched a late assault that yielded 23 runs from the 19th over, providing India with the finishing flourish it desperately needed.
Pakistan’s chase started positively, with Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza putting on 38 runs for the opening wicket. Muneeba top-scored with 41 from 35 balls and briefly kept her side in contention.
But India’s bowlers and fielders maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Partnerships were hard to come by, and Pakistan never managed to build sustained momentum.
Deepti Sharma led the way with an outstanding bowling performance, claiming five wickets for just 10 runs. Her spell dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up and ensured India completed a dominant victory.
The emphatic win gives India valuable early momentum in what is widely regarded as the tournament’s toughest group.
