SportsT20 World Cup 2026

India vs Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup Today: Harmanpreet’s Side Starts as Favourite

14th June 2026 at 5:00 PM
1 minute read

Birmingham: India and Pakistan will clash today in the Women’s T20 World Cup, with the match scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM (IST). Just as contests between the two nations in men’s cricket are often treated like finals and attract massive attention, India-Pakistan encounters in women’s cricket are increasingly becoming marquee events. This will be India’s opening match of the tournament.

Although India are the reigning ODI world champions, they enter this T20 showdown as favourites. The numbers strongly support them, with India leading Pakistan 6-2 in Women’s T20 World Cup meetings and 13-3 overall in T20 internationals. The Indian side has also enjoyed an impressive run of form in recent months, defeating Australia 2-1, England 3-2 on English soil, and Sri Lanka 5-0 at home.

India-Pakistan contests are often described as a “group of death” battle, and both teams are expected to feel the pressure. However, India appear to be the more balanced side. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will be expected to provide a solid start. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India will be aiming to secure their second major title within six months.

India will need to be cautious of Pakistan middle-order batter Shorna Akter, who has been in good touch. Ayman Fatima is another batter capable of making an impact.

Pakistan have suffered a setback ahead of the match, as captain Fatima Sana sustained a knee injury during a practice session two days ago. Weather conditions in Birmingham are expected to remain favourable, although cloudy skies are likely.

Probable Playing XIs

India:


Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy/Renuka Singh, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani and Nandini Sharma.

Pakistan:


Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Gul Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Saira Jabeen, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Ayman Fatima, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal.

Also Read: Back-to-Back Draws at the World Cup, but Scotland Register First Win in 36 Years

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14th June 2026 at 5:00 PM
1 minute read
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