Deepti Sharma continued her growing reputation as India’s big-match performer with a record-breaking bowling display that helped secure a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston.
The experienced all-rounder returned outstanding figures of 5 for 10 from four overs as India began their campaign in emphatic fashion. Her spell not only dismantled Pakistan’s chase but also entered the record books as the best bowling performance by an Indian in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup and the third-best figures overall in the tournament.
The performance added another chapter to Deepti’s impressive record in ICC events. Less than a year ago, she produced a five-wicket haul in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup against South Africa, helping India secure their maiden 50-over world title. Against Pakistan, she once again delivered when the stakes were highest. “I think I like the pressure conditions and ICC tournaments; I feel I have started again from where I had finished (last year’s 50-over World Cup), so it feels good,” Deepti said after being named Player of the Match.
India’s victory was built on a strong all-round effort. Smriti Mandhana laid the foundation with a fluent 68 at the top of the order as India posted 170 for 6, a total that always looked competitive on a surface offering some assistance to the bowlers. Deepti’s variations in pace and length kept the batters guessing, while left-arm spinner Shree Charani chipped in with three wickets to ensure India remained in complete control.
Although the five-wicket haul inevitably drew most of the attention, Deepti credited a disciplined approach and a commitment to her preparation for the performance. “I’m focusing on my process — the same things I do in practice I am applying in matches. These things help me and the only thing is that I have to keep moving forward and not stop and day by day I have to keep improving.”
That consistency has become one of the defining features of Deepti’s game. Over the past year, she has emerged as one of India’s most dependable performers across formats, contributing with both bat and ball while often stepping up in crucial moments.
Sunday’s victory also highlighted the confidence within the Indian camp following their World Cup success last year. Rather than feeling burdened by expectations, the squad appears determined to build on the momentum generated by that historic triumph.
“It doesn’t matter how you start your campaign, we got that confidence from last year’s World Cup, and we are not taking it as pressure; we just want to play our best cricket in every match, that’s what it is,” Deepti said.
The convincing nature of the victory gives India an early boost in a competitive group, but attention has already shifted to their next challenge against the Netherlands at Headingley. The Dutch side suffered a defeat to Bangladesh in their opening fixture, yet Deepti made it clear that India would not underestimate a team making its first appearance at the tournament.
“I think they played today and it’s a good team and the first time they’ve qualified for the World Cup, and we are not taking that game lightly. It’s a few days until that game and now we are looking good, we are doing good and we are just focusing that each and every match is important for us and we will play our positive cricket.”
The performance added another milestone to Deepti’s growing list of achievements. Alongside recording the best bowling figures by an Indian in Women’s T20 World Cup history, the five-wicket haul also took her to the top of the all-time wicket-taking charts in Women’s T20 Internationals. It was a fitting reward for a player whose influence on India’s success continues to grow.
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