Pakistan suffered a 64-run defeat by arch-rivals India in a Group One match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, after being bowled out for 106 while chasing a target of 171.

Playing in Birmingham, India won the toss and elected to bat, posting 170-6 in its allotted 20 overs.

India lost two early wickets, with Shafali Verma dismissed for six by Sadia Iqbal and Jemimah Rodrigues falling for one to Tasmia Rabab, leaving the team at 18-2.

Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur then steadied the innings. Mandhana top-scored with 68, while Harmanpreet contributed 36.

Richa Ghosh accelerated the scoring in the closing overs, making 34 off 17 balls to help India reach a competitive total.

For Pakistan, Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal claimed two wickets each, while Ramin Shamim and Tasmia Rabab took one apiece.

In reply, Pakistan struggled to keep pace against disciplined Indian bowling and fielding and was dismissed for 106.

Muniba Ali led Pakistan’s scoring with 41 runs. Alia Riaz made 18, while Ayesha Zafar and Gul Feroza scored 12 each. Natalia Pervaiz contributed seven, Nashra Sandhu and Ramin Shamim made four each, and Saira Jabeen added two.

A key moment came in the 11th over when Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was dismissed without scoring, and Muniba Ali was run out, leaving Pakistan’s chase in difficulty.

Deepti Sharma took five wickets for India, while Sri Charani claimed three and Shafali Verma took one.

The match was played at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, where supporters of both teams attended in large numbers.

Before the match, Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and chose to bat.

During the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Fatima Sana and left after completing her interview.

“The pitch looks very good for batting, that’s why we decided to bat first,” Harmanpreet said after the toss. “We have gained a lot of confidence from the last World Cup and are very excited for the match. Our focus is on executing our plan.”

Fatima Sana said Pakistan would also have preferred to bat first.

“The pitch looks very good for batting. If we had won the toss, we would have batted,” she said. “We have the best bowlers and will try to restrict India to a low score. We have strong spinners and good fast bowlers.”

Pakistan will face South Africa in its second match of the tournament on Wednesday.