India will begin their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday. The former champions head into the tournament confident about their preparations and eager to make a strong start in one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed satisfaction with the team’s build-up despite mixed results in the warm-up matches. One of the biggest positives for India has been the form of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, whose performances with the bat have boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the tournament.
Harmanpreet said the warm-up fixtures provided valuable confidence and reinforced the belief that India can turn matches around if key batters spend time at the crease. She also stressed the importance of playing fearless cricket in the opening encounter.
The Indian skipper is set to join an elite group of players who have featured in all 10 editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, highlighting her experience on the global stage.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar, meanwhile, has reminded the squad that past achievements will count for little in the shortest format of the game. While India’s recent success in international cricket has boosted confidence, Muzumdar emphasized that T20 cricket presents unique challenges, requiring quick decision-making and consistency under pressure.
The coach believes the players are mentally prepared for the demands of a high-stakes opening match and expects them to embrace the occasion.
Pakistan enter the contest with a slight concern after captain Fatima Sana suffered a blow to her right shin during practice on Saturday. However, the team will be hoping their skipper is fit for the crucial encounter.
Elsewhere in the tournament, England, Australia and Scotland have already started their campaigns with victories. England defeated Sri Lanka by 87 runs, while Australia secured a convincing 65-run win over South Africa.
With both teams eager to make an early statement, the India-Pakistan clash promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament’s opening phase.
