IND vs PAK : No handshake streak continues as Harmanpreet Kaur avoids greeting Fatima Sana in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash

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The historic cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan added another intense chapter both on and off the field during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Facing off in the 6th match of Group 1 at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 14, 2026, the high-stakes opener drew a massive crowd of 18,814 spectators. While the action on the pitch lived up to the billing, it was a frosty pre-match moment between the captains that set social media ablaze and kept a controversial modern cricket tradition alive.

The pre-game tension peaked during the coin toss when India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the flip and opted to bat first. Immediately after making her decision, Harmanpreet visibly blanked Pakistan’s young captain, Fatima Sana, bypassing the traditional post-toss handshake to walk straight to broadcaster Mel Jones for her interview. Once the interview concluded, the Indian skipper quickly exited the presentation area.

This icy exchange was not an isolated incident but a continuation of a strict, unwritten ‘no handshake’ policy adopted by Indian cricket teams during cross-border clashes. The frosty protocol first gained widespread public attention during the men’s Asia Cup in 2025. Since then, the practice has trickled down through various levels of the sport, manifesting in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, the Under-19 Asia Cup, and the Under-19 World Cup.

Notably, a identical cold shoulder occurred at the previous year’s Women’s World Cup when Harmanpreet similarly avoided a post-match handshake with Sana. When questioned about the recurring snub on the eve of the Birmingham clash, Harmanpreet firmly deflected the media’s focus. She stated that the squad was entirely locked into their tactical game plan rather than letting outside chatter dictate their focus.

GIGACHAD HARMANPREET KAUR 😎🔥

Harmanpreet Kaur skipped the handshake with Pakistan captain Fatima Sana and focused on the job. . 💪🇮🇳🏏#INDvsPAK

— Faruk (@uf2151593) June 14, 2026

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Once the political tension subsided, India’s batting unit put on an absolute masterclass to post a commanding 170/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite an early blow when Shafali Verma fell for just 6 in the opening over, Smriti Mandhana anchor-accelerated the innings with a brilliant performance. Mandhana smashed 68 runs off 44 balls, featuring nine fours and two sixes, striking at an impressive 154.54.

Captain Kaur chipped in with a steady 36 off 35 balls, while a late-innings explosion from wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who blasted 34 off just 17 deliveries at a 200.00 strike rate, pushed India to an imposing total. For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal (2/41) and Fatima Sana (2/33) were the pick of the bowlers but suffered under India’s late-overs onslaught.

Chaining Pakistan under severe scoreboard pressure, India’s bowling attack turned the second innings into a procession. Pakistan’s chase collapsed rapidly after a decent start from opener Muneeba Ali (41 off 35). Spin wizard Deepti Sharma delivered a legendary, Player of the Match spell, completely dismantling the middle and lower order to finish with astonishing figures of 5 wickets for just 10 runs in her 4 overs.

Supported by Shree Charani‘s sharp 3/21, India bowled Pakistan out for 106 in exactly 17 overs. Captain Fatima Sana was dismissed for a duck by Verma as Pakistan lost their final five wickets for a mere 15 runs, handing India a comprehensive 64-run victory to kickstart their World Cup campaign in style.

Also READ: Shemaine Campbelle fiery knock powers West Indies to a thrilling win against New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup game

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.