The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to protest with a blockbuster opening clash for India as they take on monarch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham. listed for Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 1430 original time, this match promises high drama and fierce competition between two of Asia’s most redoubtable brigades.
Key Match Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Date | Sunday, June 14, 2026 |
| Time | 14:30 (local time) |
| Venue | Edgbaston, Birmingham |
| Tournament | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Group | Group 1 (with Australia, South Africa, and two qualifiers) |
India’s Track Record
- In the women’s T20I division, currently placed third globally.
- The biggest T20 World Cup palm was an 82 run over Sri Lanka in 2024. Greatest margin of victory.
- Other Massive Victories:
- Vs Bangladesh
- Won by 79 runs (2014)
- Won by 72 runs (2016)
- Vs Sri Lanka
- Won by 71 runs (2010)
- Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, and Smriti Mandhana are all ruinous top batters; the T20I platoon’s loftiest aggregate is 217.
- Inconsistent but quality attacking performance through spinners and pacers, take regular wickets.
Pakistan’s Track Record
- Winning a T20I series down from home for the first time since 2018 in 2023, against New Zealand.
- Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana were the top bowlers, while Muneeba Ali, Aliya Riaz, and Bismah Maroof were important blockbuster.
- New domestic contracts and players coming through programmes with U19 and domestic cricket.
Also read: England Announce playing XI for 1st Test vs India 2025: Check Comebacks & Key Players
Notable Players to Watch
| Team | Player Name | Role |
| India | Smriti Mandhana | Batter |
| India | Shafali Verma | Batter |
| India | Harmanpreet Kaur | All-rounder |
| India | Deepti Sharma | All-rounder |
| India | Renuka Singh | Bowler |
| Pakistan | Muneeba Ali | Batter |
| Pakistan | Aliya Riaz | All-rounder |
| Pakistan | Bismah Maroof | Batter |
| Pakistan | Sadia Iqbal | Bowler |
| Pakistan | Fatima Sana | Bowler |
Match Preview and Expectation
The India-Pakistan match is always one of the biggest matches in any series or tournament. Both teams will be looking to get their campaigns off to a good start – India who have just broken the record for most wins in a row and with a very good side, are going to be slight favorites.
However, Pakistan’s recent rise in their cricket status, especially with them winning a historic series in New Zealand, will give them a lot of confidence going into the World Cup so this match is anything but done. I expect it to be a closely contested match.
Key Factors to Consider
- Batting Firepower: Looking at India’s batting, their batting line-up looks to be very strong and particularly at some point at the top of the order. India will be looking to top order batters like Mandhana and Verma to set, or chase down, some gigantic batting scores.
- Bowling Depth: Both teams will have depth in their bowling performances – India’s spinners and Pakistan’s pace and spin options offering some intrigue, what will they produce?
- Pressure Points: India are known for their high performance in important matches, however Pakistan’s recent performances suggest they are also capable of surprising results.
Conclusion
The India vs Pakistan T20 match at Edgbaston on 14th June 2026, will be an exciting opening for Women’s T20 World Cup ’26. Both of these teams have great forms, preparation and players, which will lead to a highly competitive match to begin the tournament.
Written By Smita Singh
