India began their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan on Sunday, bowled their rivals out for 106 at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, England, defending a target of 170 in front of a packed, predominantly pro-India crowd. The result extended India's unbeaten record against Pakistan across all World Cup meetings in both the 20- and 50-over formats.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma was the match's defining performer, finishing with figures of 5-10 that included a devastating late burst dismissing the last three Pakistani wickets in five balls. Her direct-hit run-out of Muneeba Ali — who had been dropped twice and made 41 — proved a turning point in the 11th over, when Pakistan still harboured hopes of a chase. Shree Charani contributed 3-21 in support. The five-wicket haul made Sharma the highest wicket-taker in women's T20 international cricket, with 166 wickets.