The historic rivalry between India and Pakistan added one other intense chapter on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as the 2 sides clashed within the sixth Match of Group 1 on the Women’s T20 World Cup. Staged on the iconic Edgbaston stadium in Birmingham, the high-stakes encounter drew a large, sell-out crowd of 18,814 spectators, setting a brand new document attendance for a World Cup group match. Whereas the motion on the sector stored followers on the sting of their seats, it was a placing post-match second that ignited widespread dialog throughout the cricketing world.
Pakistan head coach addresses no-handshake incident with India
Regardless of the electrical environment and fierce competitors, observers rapidly observed a evident absence of conventional sportsmanship gestures. From the coin toss to the ultimate wickets, no handshakes had been exchanged between the Indian and Pakistani gamers. The chilly dynamic prompted intense scrutiny throughout the post-match press convention, the place Pakistan’s head coach, Wahab Riaz, was immediately questioned in regards to the seemingly frosty relationship between the 2 groups behind the scenes.
A reporter, acknowledging the delicate nature of the subject, apologized for introducing a political angle right into a sporting occasion earlier than asking Riaz whether or not the gamers and assist employees preserve a pleasant or distant rapport out of the general public eye.
Riaz, nevertheless, firmly downplayed the scenario and refused to stoke the fires of controversy. “See, I don’t know. I simply left cricket means earlier than, so I don’t know the rationale for not shaking fingers. However I believe if issues need to transfer like this, let’s go like that. It gained’t make an enormous distinction,” the previous Pakistan quick bowler responded. His dismissive stance signaled a want to maintain the main target strictly on the sport itself, relatively than bilateral political tensions that usually spill over into sporting arenas.
Additionally WATCH: No handshake streak continues as Harmanpreet Kaur avoids greeting Fatima Sana in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash
Deepti Sharma stars as India dominates Edgbaston conflict
On the pitch, the match belonged fully to India’s veteran spinner, Deepti Sharma, who delivered a masterclass in fashionable T20 bowling. India posted a commanding complete of 170 runs, leaving Pakistan with a frightening chase. Though Pakistan’s response began with transient promise, the wheels rapidly got here off below relentless stress from the Indian bowling assault.
The turning level arrived within the eleventh over when Deepti produced a second of magic on the sector. Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali, who had been dropped twice, seemed harmful on 41 earlier than Deepti executed an excellent direct hit on the run from backward level to run her out. When Pakistan captain Fatima Sana fell shortly after, leaving her facet at 77-5, the chase fully derailed.
Deepti then ripped via the tail, taking the ultimate three wickets in simply 5 balls to complete with extraordinary figures of 5-10. This phenomenal spell formally made her the best wicket-taker in girls’s T20 worldwide historical past with 166 scalps. Supported by Shree Charani‘s scientific 3-21, India bowled Pakistan out for 106, sealing a complete 64-run victory to kickstart their quest for a maiden Girls’s T20 World Cup trophy.
Additionally READ: Deepti Sharma breaks world record with historic spell in IND vs PAK Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match
This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
