Ashwin warns India’s women lack depth despite Women’s T20 World Cup win over Pakistan
R Ashwin doubts India’s women can go far at the T20 World Cup because of limited power-hitting, even after Deepti Sharma’s 5/10 sank Pakistan for 106.
By SportCricket Desk · 15 Jun 2026 · 3 min read
R Ashwin has voiced concern about India’s prospects at the Women’s T20 World Cup even after the team’s comfortable win over Pakistan, arguing that the squad lacks power and depth.
Ashwin’s concern
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he is unsure India will go very far because the lineup is short of power. He praised India’s display against Pakistan, and the spin attack in particular, but said they lack the depth of England and Australia. In his view the combination could struggle in high-pressure games where finishing power often decides the result.
India’s innings
After being asked to bat, India lost Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues inside the Powerplay. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur then added 91 to steady matters.
Mandhana scored a fluent 68 from 44 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, while Harmanpreet made 36. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh then lifted the total with an unbeaten 34 from 17 balls, taking India to 170/6.
Spinners take over
Pakistan started with some resistance, reaching 41 in the Powerplay through Muneeba Ali, but India’s spinners soon took control. Debutant Shree Charani returned 3/21, and Deepti Sharma produced a superb 5/10.
Spinners claimed nine of the ten wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs.
