India Women began the tournament by beating Pakistan by 64 runs after scoring 170. Smriti Mandhana set the tone with 68 off 44 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added a composed 36 and Richa Ghosh struck 34 off 17 to lift the total well above par.
The bowling was even better. Deepti Sharma returned 5/10 and Shree Charani 3/21 as the spinners strangled Pakistan through the middle overs, with Renuka Singh Thakur applying early pressure and Radha Yadav bringing control.
The Netherlands’ batting relies heavily on captain Babette de Leede, who made 50 off 45 in their opener, with Robine Rijke giving some stability. They need more from Heather Siegers and Phebe Molkenboer at the top, and a way of coping with India’s spin and rotating strike. Iris Zwilling bowled tightly against Bangladesh without taking a wicket, and Caroline de Lange and Silver Siegers offer new-ball support, though the attack lacks depth in wicket-taking.
Headingley is known for a balanced contest. The pitch often helps fast bowlers early with seam and swing, particularly when cloudy, then settles to favour batting with consistent pace and bounce. Batters who survive the new-ball spell can use the quick outfield. Spinners play a supporting role but may find some grip later. A T20 score of 170–190 is typically competitive.
A mix of cloud and sunshine is expected, with a slight chance of passing showers. Temperatures should be about 20–22°C with light to moderate winds, which could still offer some swing. A brief shower cannot be ruled out, but prolonged rain is not forecast.
Our preview picks India, who will start as overwhelming favourites after a convincing opening win.
By 64 runs after scoring 170. Smriti Mandhana made 68 off 44 and Deepti Sharma took 5/10.
Iris Zwilling, the first Netherlands bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets.
Women's CricketR 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.
Women's CricketRohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan and Gautam Gambhir backed India’s women before their T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan.
Women's CricketIndia captain Harmanpreet Kaur played her 200th T20I, a world first, but South Africa won by six wickets with Marizanne Kapp named Player of the Match.