India kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, registering a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The win strengthened India’s position in the tournament and showcased the effectiveness of their spin attack. However, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the Women in Blue still have important areas to improve if they are to emerge as genuine title contenders.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin praised India’s performance against Pakistan but questioned whether the current squad possesses enough batting firepower to consistently challenge stronger teams such as England and Australia.
“I am not sure India will go very far in this T20 World Cup because there is a lack of power in the lineup. While India were excellent against Pakistan and their spin attack once again proved decisive, the team still lacks the depth that sides like England and Australia possess,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
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“India’s combination appears slightly short on power-hitting options, which could become a concern in tougher matches against stronger opponents. Compared to the strong lineups of England and Australia, India’s overall team depth remains a significant worry,” he added.
India’s innings did not begin smoothly after being asked to bat first. The early dismissals of Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues inside the Powerplay put the team under pressure and handed Pakistan an early advantage. However, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur responded brilliantly with a match-defining partnership.
The experienced duo added 91 runs for the third wicket, stabilising the innings and laying the foundation for a competitive total. Mandhana led the recovery with a superb 68 off just 44 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and two sixes. Her fluent knock ensured India regained control after a shaky start. Harmanpreet played the perfect supporting role with a composed 36, allowing Mandhana to dominate the scoring. The momentum generated by their partnership set the stage for a strong finish in the closing overs.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh then provided the finishing touch with a blistering unbeaten 34 from only 17 balls. Her aggressive strokeplay helped India reach an imposing 170/6 from 20 overs, a total that ultimately proved far beyond Pakistan’s reach. Pakistan began the chase positively and reached 41 runs in the Powerplay, with Muneeba Ali looking comfortable at the crease.
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However, India’s spinners quickly took control of the contest. Debutant Shree Charani impressed with figures of 3/21, while Deepti Sharma produced a career-best spell of 5/10 to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup. India’s spin trio completely dominated proceedings, claiming nine of the ten wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for just 106 in 17 overs, sealing a comprehensive and statement-making victory.
