Smriti Mandhana was awarded the Impact Fielder medal after helping India put in an excellent fielding performance during their 64-run win over Pakistan in Match 6 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
India’s fielding unit was outstanding throughout Pakistan’s chase, finishing with nine catches and a run-out as the team backed up a strong all-round performance with one of its best displays in the field.
Fielding coach Munish Bali was full of praise for the effort after the match. “We took nine catches today. I don’t even remember the last time we took nine catches in a single game. Nine catches and one run-out.”
The fielding contributions came from all parts of the team. Harmanpreet Kaur led the way with three catches, dismissing Saira Jabeen, Natalia Pervaiz and Nashra Sandhu. Smriti Mandhana took two catches to remove Ayesha Zafar and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana. Jemimah Rodrigues also finished with two catches, sending back Aliya Riaz and Tasmia Rubab.
Bharti Fulmali took the catch that dismissed Gull Feroza, while Shreyanka Patil held onto the catch that removed Rameen Shamim. Deepti Sharma was involved in the run-out of Muneeba Ali, whose dismissal for 41 proved to be a key moment in Pakistan’s innings.
Despite the team effort, Munish felt Mandhana’s energy and attitude were what lifted India’s fielding performance.
“But the one who made an impact in the game, who built the rhythm into our fielding, was Smriti Mandhana. As Jemi said, our first six overs weren’t going that well. We always talk about one thing — fielding attitude. Errors will happen, they do happen, but how you recover from them matters. That tone was set by Smriti Mandhana.”
Jemimah Rodrigues also supported Mandhana’s selection for the medal and joked about where it should go. “I heard there was a lot of pressure from that side. The medal should go here only.”
Munish responded with a smile. “The pressure was coming from everywhere.”
Mandhana was delighted to receive the recognition. “It’s my first time winning the medal. I just get activated during the World Cup.”
In the match, India posted 170/6 after Mandhana top-scored with 68 off 44 balls, while Harmanpreet Kaur made 36 and Richa Ghosh added a quick 34 off 17 deliveries. Pakistan replied with 106 all out in 17 overs as Deepti Sharma starred with 5/10 and Shree Charani claimed 3/21. However, alongside the bowling performance, India’s sharp catching and high energy in the field played a major role in securing the comprehensive 64-run victory.
While several players made important contributions in the field, Mandhana’s two catches, positive attitude and ability to set the tone for the team earned her the Impact Fielder medal and special praise from both her teammates and coaching staff after one of India’s finest fielding performances in recent times.
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