India vs Pakistan Preview: Harmanpreet Kaur Eyes Strong Start As Women In Blue Chase T20 World Cup Glory

India vs Pakistan Preview: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the first match will set the tone as her side begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on Sunday at Edgbaston. India, third in the T20I rankings, are chasing their first Women’s T20 World Cup title after winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

India have won their last three T20I meetings with Pakistan, including a six-wicket victory in Dubai at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s only win in nine T20I games against India came in the Asia Cup in 2022. Pakistan are eighth in the T20I rankings and are aiming for a first semi-final place.

Harmanpreet Looks To Carry World Cup Form

“The first game is very important; it always sets the tone,” Kaur said. “We are really looking forward to it, and hopefully, we will play our best. Winning the World Cup was a great moment for all of us. We were waiting for that moment for so many years, and it’s good to see years of hard work pay off.”

India lost their pre-tournament series against England and were also beaten by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side in Wednesday’s warm-up game in Cardiff. Kaur said those matches would help her team as they prepare for the tournament. She also said success here could encourage more girls to play cricket in India.

Pakistan Trust Their Young Players

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said her team would try to win the opening match to give themselves options in later games. She said the squad has “some youngsters who have come into the side and proved themselves” in the recent series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, and she believes Pakistan have a good mix.

Fatima, 24, became Pakistan skipper in 2024 and has already led the side at the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2024 and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. She said senior players and the coaching staff have supported her, making it easier to focus on her role in the team.

Pakistan will also play at the Hampshire Bowl, Headingley and the Bristol County Ground. Fatima said the crowd in England usually backs good cricket, not one side, and she expects strong support as Pakistan look to start their campaign well.