India was 18/2 in 3.2 overs. The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign couldn’t have got off to a worse start. That too against Pakistan, a team they’ve dominated in Women’s T20Is. One can’t forget how charged the match was. Harmanpreet Kaur had refused to shake hands with Fatima Sana in what was India’s way of protesting against Pakistan.
Smriti Mandhana saves India vs Pakistan
Now, India was struggling. That’s when Smriti Mandhana stepped up. The Indian vice-captain had got off to a great start, hitting two boundaries off Sadia Iqbal in the 3rd over. Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues’ wickets didn’t stop Mandhana from attacking. Still, India finished with just 38 runs in the powerplay.
Harmanpreet was taking her time, which meant Mandhana had to be the aggressor. She was granted a reprieve on 28 by Aliya Riaz and made Pakistan pay. After the 10th over, the vice-captain upped her intent. Mandhana was 36 off 27 at the halfway mark. She scored her half-century in 38 balls, taking Rameen Shamim on.
Most 50+ scores for India Women in Women’s T20 World Cup
- 5 – Mithali Raj (23 innings)
- 5 – Harmanpreet Kaur (34 innings)
- 5 – Smriti Mandhana (26 innings)*
- 3 – Punam Raut (15 innings)
Saira Jabeen gave Mandhana another life, dropping her on 55. Not only did she let the catch go, but the ball sailed over the boundary. Harmanpreet wasn’t in great flow, and although Mandhana was lucky herself, her 68 off 44 was what saved India. Harmanpreet departed for 36 off 35 not long after, and had Mandhana not continued, India would’ve struggled big time.
If not for Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh‘s final flourish, 38 runs in the last 2 overs, India wouldn’t have crossed the 160-run mark. Mandhana set the stage, allowing them to swing freely without worry. She kept the momentum going in the middle overs, and the duo landed the final blow.
Most runs in IND vs PAK Women’s T20Is
| Batter | Span | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 50s |
| Mithali Raj | 2009-2018 | 10 | 315 | 73* | 45.00 | 88.23 | 2 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 2014-2026 | 11 | 307 | 68 | 30.70 | 111.23 | 2 |
| Bismah Maroof | 2009-2023 | 14 | 248 | 68* | 19.07 | 84.93 | 2 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 2009-2026 | 13 | 230 | 36 | 32.85 | 83.33 | 0 |
| Nida Dar | 2010-2024 | 13 | 194 | 56* | 21.55 | 101.04 | 2 |
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