India beat Pakistan by 64 runs to open Women’s T20 World Cup campaign
India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in the opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup. Deepti Sharma took five wickets, and India posted 170 runs.
India began their quest for a first Women's Twenty20 World Cup title with a convincing 64-run win over archrivals Pakistan on Sunday at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, UK. In front of a sellout partisan crowd, India defended a total of 170, bowling out Pakistan for 106.
Deepti Sharma starred with five wickets, including the last three in five balls, and also ran out Muneeba Ali for 41. She now holds the record for most wickets in women's T20 cricket with 166. Shree Charani supported with figures of 3-21.
India's innings was propelled by Smriti Mandhana, who scored 50 after being dropped twice. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 36. After her dismissal, a mini-collapse ensued, but Richa Ghosh's explosive 34 off 17 balls, combined with Sharma, pushed India to 170.
India continued the trend set by their men's team by not shaking hands with Pakistan players, as was the case in the previous 50-over World Cup.
In the other match of the day, Bangladesh chased down 141-4 against the Netherlands, winning by six wickets. Juairiya Ferdous scored 50 off 33 balls, while Netherlands captain Babette de Leede made 50 off 45 balls.
Upcoming matches include defending champions New Zealand vs Sri Lanka and hosts England vs Ireland on Tuesday.
