India will launch their 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston on 14 June, in what is already one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament. Former England captain Nasser Hussain, serving as an expert analyst for the competition, has backed India to prevail — pointing to the significant gap that has opened between the two sides in women's cricket over recent years.

Head-to-Head Record Firmly in India's Favour

India have dominated this rivalry, winning 13 of 16 Women's T20 Internationals against Pakistan. In Women's T20 World Cup meetings specifically, India lead 6-2 across eight encounters. Their most recent clash — at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Dubai — ended in a six-wicket victory for India. All contests between the two nations have been confined to global or continental events, including the Women's T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games, with no bilateral series played in this period.

The match at Edgbaston is expected to draw intense local support, given the stadium's large South Asian community with strong Indian and Pakistani representation.

Hussain: 'India Have Jumped at Least a Level or Two'

Speaking at a JioStar Media Day in his capacity as an ICC Women's T20 World Cup expert, Hussain was unequivocal about the gulf between the two sides. 'In general, the way Indian women's cricket has grown — 50-over World Cup win, WPL, everything that is happening in women's cricket in India compared to Pakistan cricket, where their players don't play in all the franchise tournaments around the world,' he said. 'So, they have stayed at a level whereas India have jumped at least a level or two if not more.'

Hussain acknowledged that the T20 format is capable of producing upsets and warned that Fatima Sana in form could pose a genuine threat. 'It only takes Fatima Sana to come off, have a good day, and they could be in trouble,' he noted. 'But if you are asking me a prediction, India will be too strong.'

Yastika Bhatia at Three — and a Fitness Caveat

Hussain expressed confidence in Yastika Bhatia's placement at number three in India's batting order, describing her strike rate as 'excellent' and calling her 'a real boundary hitter.' He highlighted the depth this creates, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur to follow, and Richa Ghosh providing late acceleration.

However, Hussain flagged a concern stemming from Yastika's recent major operation. 'Since her injury and her operation... she has not been that mobile between the wickets; she has been run out twice in the England bilateral series,' he observed. He singled out the potential combination with Rodrigues — known for her speed between the wickets — as an area requiring close monitoring.

Deepti Sharma an Automatic Pick, Says Hussain

Deepti Sharma was named as one of the first picks Hussain would select for a big-tournament game. Despite a lean run since the South Africa series, Hussain argued that the World Cup stage would bring out her best. 'Certain people raise their game for big tournaments, and Deepti Sharma is absolutely that,' he said. He pointed to her familiarity with English conditions — built through stints in the Hundred — as an added advantage. 'She knows the conditions very well,' Hussain added, referencing her strong performance in the 50-over World Cup as further evidence.

Six-Hitting, Dot Balls, and the Amanjot Kaur Question

On the broader factors that will shape the tournament, Hussain identified six-hitting as 'absolutely vital,' noting that the women's game has evolved from a touch-based approach to a power-hitting one. He added, however, that dot-ball percentage is an equally critical metric. 'There is no point in having five dots and then a six,' he said, stressing the importance of running hard between the wickets to keep the scoreboard moving.

On Amanjot Kaur's absence, Hussain said he would opt for the extra batter and use Shafali Verma as a 'safety valve' bowling option — drawing a parallel with Shafali's impact in the 50-over World Cup final. He cautioned, though, that going with a longer batting line-up demands a proactive approach: 'If you are going to go with the extra batter, you have to get an above-par score because you know your bowling's a little bit light.'

India's opening fixture against Pakistan on 14 June at Edgbaston is effectively a must-win, Hussain argued, given that the group also contains South Africa and Australia. How India start — and what net run rate they build — could prove decisive as the tournament progresses toward its knockout rounds.