Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction about India’s chances in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite a convincing victory against Pakistan in the tournament opener.In the first match of Group A at Edgbaston, Birmingham, India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs. Electing to bat first, the Women in Blue recovered from the early setback to post 170/6. In reply, a clinical display from India’s spin attack reduced Pakistan to just 106 in 17 overs.However, Ashwin believes India may struggle against strong opponents later in the tournament, especially power-packed sides like Australia and England.“I don’t believe India will go far in this T20 World Cup as the line-up lacks strength. While India was at its best against Pakistan and its spin attack proved decisive once again, the team still lacks the depth that teams like England and Australia have. India’s combination appears to be a bit short on power-hitting options, which could be a concern against strong opponents. remains a major concern,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, Ash.After losing Shafali Verma and Jemima Rodriguez inside the powerplay, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led the innings along with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. The duo put together a crucial partnership of 91 runs to put India back in control. Mandhana hit nine fours and two sixes during his brilliant 68 off 44 balls.Wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh provided the perfect finishing touch to the innings. She scored 23 off Tasmiya Rabab in the 19th over and remained unbeaten on 34 off just 17 balls, helping India reach a mammoth total of 170/6.Dominance of Indian spinnersPakistan started their chase on a positive note, with Muniba Ali scoring 41 runs and guiding her team to a steady powerplay. However, in the middle overs, India’s spinners took complete control. World Cup debutant Shri Charani impressed with figures of 3/21, while nine of Pakistan’s ten wickets fell to spin. The star of the match was Deepti Sharma who put up career best figures of 5/10. He played a key role in Pakistan’s elimination, including a brilliant direct hit run-out of Muniba Ali before wrapping up the innings with three wickets in his last over.
