Smriti Mandhana's 68 and Richa Ghosh's blitz take India to 170/6 vs Pakistan
Synopsis
Smriti Mandhana's 68 off 44 balls steadied India after a shaky powerplay, but it was Richa Ghosh's 34 off just 17 balls — aided by Pakistan's over-rate penalty restricting fielders outside the ring — that pushed India to 170/6. Pakistan now need their highest-ever successful chase in Women's T20 World Cup history to win.
Key Takeaways
Smriti Mandhana scored 68 off 44 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes) to anchor India's innings at Edgbaston on 14 June .
Richa Ghosh smashed 34 off 17 balls , contributing 38 runs across the final two overs.
India posted 170/6 in 20 overs — leaving Pakistan chasing their highest-ever successful total in Women's T20 World Cup history.
Pakistan were penalised for over-rate, restricted to three fielders outside the ring in the final stages.
Fatima Sana (2/33) and Sadia Iqbal (2/41) were Pakistan's best bowlers, but at least two dropped catches off Mandhana proved costly.
Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 36 runs ; Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues fell cheaply in the powerplay.
Smriti Mandhana's composed 68 off 44 balls and Richa Ghosh's explosive 34 off 17 balls propelled India to 170/6 against Pakistan in their Women's T20 World Cup group-stage clash at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Sunday, 14 June. The total leaves Pakistan chasing their highest successful run-chase in Women's T20 World Cup history.
Mandhana Anchors a Shaky Start
India's power-play was more disruption than dominance. Shafali Verma launched the innings with a six off the first ball against Sadia Iqbal, only to edge behind to wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali Siddiqui two deliveries later. Jemimah Rodrigues followed without finding rhythm, hoicking to a juggling Natalia Pervaiz at cover. India limped to 38/2 at the end of six overs.
Mandhana was the steadying force throughout, threading extra-cover drives and sweeping Rameen Shamim for consecutive fours. She was handed a life on 27 when Aliya Riaz grassed a catch at mid-off off Tasmia Rubab's bowling — a miss Pakistan would rue deeply.
Mandhana's Fifty and Two Reprieves
Mandhana reached her fifty in just 34 balls with a trademark lofted drive down the ground against Rameen — dancing down the pitch in the manner that has defined her batting for years. She was dropped again on 61 when Saira Jabeen spilled a catch off Sadia Iqbal, the ball sailing for six. Pakistan's fielding lapses gave India the platform they needed on a used surface.
Mandhana's innings featured nine fours and two sixes before she perished for 68, lofting off the toe-end to long-off on the very ball after an inside-out cover drive off Rameen. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 36, including two boundaries in a productive 19-run 13th over off Sadia, before flicking to deep square leg off Fatima Sana.
Richa Ghosh's Finishing Blitz
With India stalling after twin blows — Bharti Fulmali stumped for a duck off Sadia and Harmanpreet's dismissal — the innings needed a spark. Deepti Sharma broke a 22-ball boundary drought with a whip through the leg side, before Richa took over in spectacular fashion.
Notably, Pakistan were restricted to three fielders outside the ring due to an over-rate penalty — a factor Richa exploited ruthlessly. She carved, sliced, pulled and swivelled her way to three fours and a six in a single over, with 23 runs coming off it alone. She swept Fatima for four in the final over before being bowled by a slower ball. Her 34 off 17 balls effectively added 38 runs across the last two overs, taking India to exactly 170.
Pakistan's Bowling Highlights
Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal were Pakistan's most effective bowlers, claiming 2 wickets each for 33 and 41 runs respectively. However, Pakistan's dropped catches — at least two off Mandhana alone — proved the difference between a chaseable and a daunting target.
What's Next
Pakistan now face a record chase at Edgbaston. India's bowling attack, which has been among the tournament's most consistent, will look to defend 170 — a total that, on this surface, may well be beyond Pakistan's reach unless their top order fires from the first ball.
Brief Scores: India 170/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 36; Fatima Sana 2/33, Sadia Iqbal 2/41) vs Pakistan.
Point of View
And India were 38/2 after six overs. Mandhana's composure was exceptional, but Pakistan gifted her two lives; on a sharper day in the field, India might have been 30-40 runs fewer. The over-rate penalty that forced Pakistan to field with three men inside the ring during Richa's assault is a detail that could swing the match narrative — and it raises questions about Pakistan's match management that go beyond dropped catches.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was India's final score against Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup?
India scored 170/6 in 20 overs against Pakistan in their Women's T20 World Cup clash at Edgbaston on 14 June. Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 68, while Harmanpreet Kaur added 36 and Richa Ghosh contributed a late 34 off 17 balls.
How did Smriti Mandhana perform in the India vs Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup match?
Smriti Mandhana scored 68 off 44 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes to anchor India's innings after a difficult powerplay. She reached her fifty in just 34 balls and was dropped twice by Pakistan fielders before eventually falling for 68.
What was Richa Ghosh's contribution in India's innings?
Richa Ghosh scored 34 off just 17 balls in a match-defining cameo, striking three fours and a six in a single over as 23 runs came off it alone. Her innings helped India add 38 runs across the final two overs, lifting the team to exactly 170.
Why were Pakistan restricted to three fielders outside the ring?
Pakistan were penalised for a slow over-rate, which meant they could only place three fielders outside the 30-yard circle instead of the standard five during the final overs. Richa Ghosh exploited the gaps this created to devastating effect.
What record does Pakistan need to chase to win this Women's T20 World Cup match?
Pakistan need to score 171 or more to win, which would be their highest successful run-chase in Women's T20 World Cup history. India's 170/6 sets a stiff target, particularly on a used Edgbaston pitch.
