India beat Pakistan in WC opener

India beat Pakistan in WC opener (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction about India's chances in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 despite their convincing victory over Pakistan in the tournament opener. India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in their opening Group A clash at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Opting to bat first, the Women in Blue recovered from early setbacks to post a competitive 170/6. In reply, a clinical display from India's spin attack bundled Pakistan out for just 106 in 17 overs. However, Ashwin believes India may struggle against stronger opponents later in the tournament, particularly power-packed sides such as Australia and England. "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. 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," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat. After losing Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues inside the Powerplay, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana steadied the innings alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The pair stitched together a crucial 91-run partnership to put India back in control. Mandhana struck nine fours and two sixes during her elegant 68 off 44 deliveries. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided the perfect finishing touch to the innings. She smashed 23 runs in the 19th over off Tasmia Rubab and remained unbeaten on 34 from just 17 balls, helping India reach an imposing total of 170/6.Indian Spinners Dominate Pakistan began their chase positively, with Muneeba Ali scoring 41 and guiding her side to a steady Powerplay. However, India's spinners took complete control in the middle overs. World Cup debutant Shree Charani impressed with figures of 3/21, while nine of Pakistan's ten wickets fell to spin. The star of the match was Deepti Sharma, who delivered career-best figures of 5/10. She played a key role in Pakistan's collapse, including a brilliant direct-hit run-out of Muneeba Ali, before wrapping up the innings with three wickets in her final over.