Shafali Verma (Source: AFP)
India Women started their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a high-voltage clash against Pakistan Women at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday, June 14.
Indian opener Shafali Verma created a major record in the India Women vs Pakistan Women match 6 of the Women's T20 World Cup. Earlier in the game, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first.
The spotlight was also on the pre-match proceedings, as the captains of the two teams did not exchange handshakes at the toss, continuing the much-discussed no-handshake policy between India and Pakistan.
Shafali Verma Creates History
India opener Shafali Verma made an instant impact in the clash against Pakistan. The right-handed batter got India's innings underway in stunning fashion by smashing the first ball of the match for a massive six straight down the ground.
STAT: Shafali Verma becomes the first batter to hit a six off the very first ball of a match in the Women's T20 World Cup.
Pakistan began their bowling attack with left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal in an attempt to put pressure on the aggressive opener.
Also Read: India Vs Pakistan Handshake Row: Harmanpreet Ignores Fatima Sana In Women's T20 World Cup
Sadia Iqbal Outfoxes Shafali Verma
While Shafali won the first battle with her fearless stroke, Sadia Iqbal showed great composure and fought back strongly in the same over.
After being hit for six, the spinner adjusted her bowling smartly. She delivered a tighter line and forced Shafali Verma to be more cautious.
The Indian batter continued looking for attacking options, moving around the crease to create room for her shots, but Sadia stayed in control.
The breakthrough came on the fifth ball of the over. Shafali tried to play another attacking shot after stepping away from the stumps, but the ball bounced more than expected.
It caught the outside edge of her bat and flew behind to wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali, who completed a sharp catch.
Pakistan almost picked up another wicket in the same over when Jemimah Rodrigues mistimed her first ball back towards the bowler, but she managed to survive.
A wide delivery added an extra run as India finished the opening over on 7/1 after an eventful start to the much-anticipated contest.
Mandhana and Harmanpreet Steady India After Early Setbacks
After losing two wickets early in the innings, India found stability through the experienced partnership of Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
India lost Shafali Verma at just 6 runs in the very first over of the match. The situation became more difficult when Jemimah Rodrigues lost her wicket in the fourth over.
Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur Breaks Mithali Raj's Huge Record In Women's T20 World Cup
With India under pressure, Mandhana and Harmanpreet took charge of the innings. The pair batted sensibly, rotating the strike well and punishing loose deliveries to rebuild the innings.
Their partnership helped India recover from the early setbacks and put the team back in a strong position. Mandhana looked in excellent touch and brought up a well-made half-century in the 12th over.
At the time of writing, Smriti Mandhana is unbeaten on 64, while Harmanpreet is batting on 31.
With both senior batters settled at the crease, India will hope the duo can continue their partnership and help the team post a challenging total against Pakistan.
Follow IND-W vs PAK-W Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Voltage Encounter.
