India have come to England to make a statement. Powered by a deep, destructive batting line-up led by Smriti Mandhana, they have stormed through the early stages of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup with crushing victories. A 64-run demolition of Pakistan followed a 95-run rout of the Netherlands, and India look every bit the team to beat as the tournament unfolds across seven English venues.
Mandhana sets the tone
The opener is in ominous form. Smriti Mandhana’s fluent strokeplay at the top has given India fast starts and big totals, setting the platform for their commanding wins. Her timing and intent embody an India side determined to bat aggressively and put scoreboard pressure on every opponent from the first over.
Batting depth on display
India’s strength runs deep. Totals of 209 against the Netherlands and 170 against Pakistan showcase a line-up that can score heavily from top to bottom, with multiple contributors capable of turning a game. That depth means a single dismissal rarely stalls the innings — a luxury that makes them so hard to contain.
The wins that matter
The results speak for themselves. India beat Pakistan by 64 runs in Birmingham, posting 170 for 6 before restricting their rivals to 106. Earlier they overwhelmed the Netherlands by 95 runs, piling up 209 for 5. Margins like these don’t just earn points — they send a message to the rest of the field.
A tournament taking shape
The competition is heating up across England. Twelve teams are contesting 33 matches from June 12 to July 5, with results tumbling daily — West Indies edged Scotland by seven runs at Leeds, and Ireland face New Zealand at Southampton. Amid the churn, India’s dominance stands out as the early story of the tournament.
The road ahead
Favourites must keep delivering. India’s batting has carried them so far, but knockout cricket will test their bowling and nerve against the tournament’s other heavyweights. Sustaining this level — and handling the pressure of expectation — will determine whether early dominance turns into a title run.
Why it matters
A flying India lifts the whole tournament. Their big totals and star power draw crowds and eyeballs to the women’s game, fueling its rising popularity. For Indian cricket, a deep World Cup run would mark another milestone in the rapid growth of the women’s team and its global profile.
The bottom line
India have begun the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in devastating form, with Smriti Mandhana leading a batting line-up of rare depth to crushing wins over Pakistan and the Netherlands. The favourites look the part, but the hard tests lie ahead. For now, India’s march is the headline act of a tournament bursting with energy across England.