ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will open their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against arch-rivals India on Sunday, at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, as captain Fatima Sana has eased concerns over her fitness after suffering a knee injury during a net session, confirming she will be available for the high-stakes encounter.
The 10th edition of the tournament, hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board from 12 June to 5 July, marks the biggest Women’s T20 World Cup in history with the field expanding from 10 to 12 teams.
A total of 33 matches will be played across seven venues, with the final scheduled for Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on 5 July. Pakistan have been placed in Group 1 alongside record six-time champions Australia, India, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Netherlands, who will be making their first appearance at the tournament.
The top two sides from each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for 30 June and 2 July.
Harmanpreet Kaur on whether India will shake hands with Pakistan 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/QJEZx5Hdmi
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 13, 2026
Captain Fatima Sana takes charge of the side for the second successive T20 World Cup after having led the team in the 2024 edition held in the UAE. The 24-year-old all-rounder enters the tournament in extraordinary form, having set the world record for the fastest half-century in Women’s T20Is during Pakistan’s 3-0 series sweep over Zimbabwe in Karachi last month, reaching 50 off just 15 balls.
However, concerns arose on Saturday when Fatima sustained a right knee injury during a net session after being struck on the follow-through by a straight drive from Ayesha Zafar.
The skipper collapsed in visible discomfort but after around 45 minutes was able to walk unaided. “It was just a normal hit of the ball. Ayesha baaji played the shot and hit me on the knee. I think it’s good now. Hopefully I’ll be good tomorrow,” Sana said.
Following their tournament opener against India, Pakistan will remain at Edgbaston to face South Africa on 17 June, before travelling to the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton to take on Bangladesh on 20 June. Their fourth fixture is against Australia at Headingley in Leeds on 23 June, and the group stage concludes against Netherlands at the Bristol County Ground on 27 June.
PAKISTAN vs INDIA IN THE ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP 2026 TOMORROW. 🏏 pic.twitter.com/JLhM1gWIIJ
— Sports Reaction (@Aamirsohail409) June 13, 2026
Historically, Pakistan and India have faced each other 16 times in the shortest format, with India holding 13 wins and Pakistan securing three victories.
Speaking to PCB Digital, Pakistan women’s team mentor Wahab Riaz said: “We have worked hard over the past few months. This is a young and energetic group that can rise to the occasion at the World Cup. Our focus is on playing a fearless and positive brand of cricket.”
