Mandhana, Ghosh Power India to Emphatic Win Over Pakistan
India delivered a polished all-round display to sweep past Pakistan, with Smriti Mandhana's fluent 68 setting the platform before Deepti Sharma ran through the Pakistan batting order to seal a comprehensive win. Mandhana, who struck nine boundaries and two sixes during her 44-ball knock, anchored the innings after India lost Shafali Verma early, and her 154-plus strike rate set the tone for the rest of the batting unit.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur played a steady hand of 36 to keep the innings ticking after Jemimah Rodrigues fell cheaply, while Richa Ghosh once again showed her explosive best, smashing 34 off just 17 balls with five fours and a six at a strike rate touching 200. Her late cameo, coupled with useful contributions from Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana down the order, ensured India posted a total well beyond Pakistan's reach.
Deepti Sharma's Match-Winning Spell
If the batting laid the foundation, it was Deepti Sharma's all-round brilliance that truly broke Pakistan's spirit. The experienced all-rounder picked up five wickets with the ball, dismantling the middle and lower order, and further stamped her authority with a sharp run-out that turned the momentum firmly in India's favour. Her performance ensured Pakistan never found the rhythm needed to chase down a stiff target, and the game was effectively wrapped up well inside the final overs.
Speaking after the match, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur thanked the crowd for their support and credited senior players like Mandhana and Deepti for stepping up under pressure. She admitted the side felt some early jitters before her partnership with Mandhana settled things down, and praised Richa Ghosh for adapting her game according to the match situation. Harmanpreet also lauded India's fielding effort, noting that clean catching and sharp ground work are crucial in T20 cricket, while reminding everyone that every league fixture carries weight for net run rate as the tournament progresses. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, meanwhile, did not shy away from acknowledging her side's shortcomings after the defeat, pointing to areas that need improvement as her team looks to regroup for the matches ahead.