Just hours before India’s much-anticipated opening match against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the atmosphere along the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh was electric with cricket fever and a touch of spirituality. In both Prayagraj and Varanasi, fans came together for heartfelt prayers, hoping to shower blessings on the Indian women’s cricket team. At Dashashwamedh Ghat in Prayagraj and Sheetla Ghat in Varanasi, devotees engaged in Ganga Aarti, offered their prayers, and took sacred dips in the river. With national flags waving proudly and posters of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on display, the gatherings truly showcased the importance of this India-Pakistan clash, one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament, set to unfold at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
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The riverbanks were alive with a beautiful blend of devotion and sporting enthusiasm. Traditional rituals were accompanied by spirited chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Chak De India.” Fans also took part in Ganga Pujan, offering prayers to Ma Ganga for the triumph of the Women in Blue. These ceremonies beautifully underscored the deep emotional connection supporters have as they gear up for India’s campaign opener against their long-standing rivals.
India Women’s Record Against Pakistan Women in T20 World Cups
India steps onto the field with a solid track record against Pakistan in ICC events. When it comes to the Women’s T20 World Cup, these two teams have clashed seven times, with India coming out on top in five of those encounters, while Pakistan has claimed victory twice. India’s wins came in 2009, 2010, 2014, 2023, and 2024, whereas Pakistan celebrated their victories in 2012 and 2016. Overall, India holds a commanding lead in the T20I head-to-head record at 13-3.
Recent matchups have also leaned in favor of India. The Women in Blue triumphed over Pakistan by seven wickets in Cape Town during the 2023 tournament and followed that up with a six-wicket victory in Dubai in 2024. They also carry the momentum from their historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup win in 2025. However, Pakistan is still a formidable opponent, especially in global tournaments where they’ve managed to pull off some surprising wins against India in nail-biting matches.
As both teams gear up for this opening fixture, they recognize its importance in setting the tone for their World Cup journey. With so much anticipation surrounding the match, fans in Uttar Pradesh are turning to their traditions and faith, hoping their prayers will help inspire another unforgettable Indian victory on the world stage.
