‘Not sure they will go too far’: R Ashwin’s gutsy verdict after India beat Pakistan

India beat Pakistan in World Cup opener (Jacob King/PA via AP) 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 win over Pakistan in the tournament opener.India beat Pakistan by 64 runs in their opening Group A encounter at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The Women in Blue elected to bat first and recovered from early setbacks to post a competitive 170/6. In response, a clinical display from India’s spin attack bundled Pakistan out for just 106 in 17 overs.However, Ashwin believes that India can struggle with stronger opponents later in the tournament, especially power-packed sides like Australia and England.“I’m not sure India will go too far in this T20 World Cup as there is a lack of strength in the line-up. While India were excellent against Pakistan and their spin attack again proved decisive, the team still lacks the depth that sides like England and Australia have. India’s combination seems somewhat lacking in power-hitting options, which could become a problem in tougher matches against stronger opponents. Compared to a strong line-up, Ash remains in his overall depth of concern from England and Australia YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.After losing Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues in the powerplay, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana balanced the innings alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. The pair put together a crucial partnership of 91 runs to get India back in control. Mandhana hit nine fours and two sixes during her elegant 68 off 44 deliveries.Wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh provided a perfect finish to the innings. She smashed 23 runs in the 19th over off Tasmia Rubab to remain unbeaten on 34 from just 17 balls, helping India post an impressive total of 170/6.Indian spinners dominatePakistan started their chase on a positive note as Muneeba Ali scored 41 to lead her side to a steady power play. However, the Indian spinners took complete control in the middle overs. World Cup debutant Shree Charani impressed with figures of 3/21 as nine of Pakistan’s ten wickets came off spin. The star of the match was Deepti Sharma who took career best figures of 5/10. She played a key role in Pakistan’s collapse, including a brilliant direct hit from Muneeba Ali, before wrapping up the innings with three wickets in her final over.