Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Sharma spins India to T20 World Cup win over Pakistan in Birmingham as Deepti Sharma took five wickets for just ten runs to dismantle the opposition batting line up and secure a dominant sixty four run victory at Edgbaston in a Group A clash of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan were bowled out for 106 while chasing 171 after losing seven wickets for just 31 runs under intense pressure from India’s spinners on Sunday in a match that highlighted the gulf in control during the decisive middle overs.
The result strengthens India’s position in the group while Pakistan are left searching for answers after a collapse that unfolded rapidly once spin was introduced into the attack.
India Build a Strong Total After Middle Order Recovery
India were put into bat after Pakistan captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss, but early wickets briefly shifted momentum. Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues fell inside the first four overs, leaving India under early pressure.
Smriti Mandhana and Kaur then rebuilt the innings with a stand of 91 for the third wicket. Mandhana struck 68 before being dismissed by Fatima Sana, who finished with figures of two for 33. Kaur added 36 before also falling as Pakistan attempted to regain control in the middle overs.
However, Richa Ghosh provided the late surge India needed. Her unbeaten 34 from 17 deliveries lifted the scoring rate significantly, including a 23 run 19th over that shifted momentum firmly back to India. India closed on 170 for six, a total that proved decisive.
Full match details and updates are available via the official competition hub.
Deepti Sharma Turns the Match with Spin Masterclass
Pakistan began their chase positively, with Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza taking 37 runs from the Indian seamers in the opening four overs. The early progress forced India to introduce spin earlier than planned, a decision that changed the course of the match.
Deepti Sharma immediately responded with control and variation. She removed Feroza and Ayesha Zafar in quick succession, breaking Pakistan’s momentum. Her ability to adjust pace and trajectory created constant uncertainty for the batters.
Pakistan’s innings began to unravel as pressure built. Shree Charani supported the attack brilliantly, taking three wickets for 21 runs and removing Saira Jabeen early. Fielding pressure added to Pakistan’s problems when Muneeba Ali was run out for 41 following a direct throw from Sharma.
From 75 for four, Pakistan collapsed dramatically. Fatima Sana fell for a duck, and the lower order offered little resistance as India tightened their grip through spin.
Rapid Collapse Ends Pakistan Chase
Once the middle order was exposed, Pakistan lost seven wickets for just 31 runs. Shot selection became increasingly desperate as India’s spinners controlled both tempo and scoring options.
Sharma returned to finish the innings in emphatic fashion, taking three wickets in the 17th over to complete her five wicket haul. Pakistan were dismissed for 106, well short of the target.
Sharma was named player of the match for her performance. Speaking after the game, she said she focused on adapting her pace throughout her spell and believed in stepping up when required for her team.
Her figures of five for ten continue a strong record in major tournaments, following her earlier standout performances in previous World Cup campaigns.
Bangladesh Open Campaign with Controlled Win Over Netherlands
Earlier in the day at Edgbaston, Bangladesh began their T20 World Cup campaign with a six wicket victory over the Netherlands. Chasing 139, Bangladesh were guided by opening batter Juairiya Ferdous, who scored 50 from 33 balls.
Her innings included two sixes struck over the mid wicket boundary, setting a strong foundation. Bangladesh reached 67 for one before her dismissal in the eighth over.
The Netherlands bowlers, including Caroline de Lange who took two for 27, slowed the scoring rate in the middle overs. However, an unbeaten partnership of 56 between Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter ensured Bangladesh reached the target in the final over.
The win marks Bangladesh’s fourth victory in seven T20 World Cup appearances and provides early momentum in their group campaign.
Further tournament coverage and analysis can be found here.
Spin Defines the Contest in Birmingham
The match underlined the growing importance of spin in controlling high pressure limited overs cricket. India’s ability to introduce and sustain pressure through Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani proved decisive, especially once Pakistan lost early stability in their chase.
Pakistan’s collapse from a competitive position highlighted the challenge of adapting under sustained spin pressure in tournament conditions.
India’s win not only strengthens their position in the group but also reinforces their balance across batting depth and bowling variety as the T20 World Cup progresses.