India is gearing up for an exciting Women’s Asia Cup match against Pakistan this Saturday in Dubai. With a strong recent track record and momentum on their side, the team feels confident. All-rounder Deepti Sharma shared her thoughts about the match, emphasizing that India has been consistently “one step ahead” thanks to their planning and execution.
Historically, India has enjoyed a significant advantage over Pakistan in women’s one-day internationals, remaining unbeaten in these encounters. Their last defeat in T20Is was back in October 2022 during the Women’s Asia Cup. Overall, Pakistan has only managed to defeat India three times in 17 matches so far. During their last meeting at the T20 World Cup in 2026, India emerged victorious, with Deepti showcasing her skill by taking five wickets for just 10 runs in four overs.
Before the Group A match, Deepti dismissed any notion of a psychological edge, stating that their success has come from their execution rather than mental advantages. “There is no particular advantage. Our victories, whether in the Asia Cup or other matches, come from being ahead in our game strategy,” she explained during a press conference.
Deepti highlighted the balanced performance of her team, noting that both the batting and bowling units are doing well. “Everyone is playing their part, and the team maintains a positive atmosphere. We focus on our game,” she added. India has already secured a spot in the semi-finals and stands at the top of the group after impressive wins against Thailand and Hong Kong, which reduces the pressure for the upcoming match against Pakistan.
While discussing the opposition, Deepti shifted the focus back to India’s strengths. “We recognize they have good bowlers, but our primary focus is on playing to our strengths. We aim to deliver a strong brand of cricket with a cohesive performance,” she said.
Deepti has been one of the standout bowlers in the tournament, taking six wickets in just two matches. However, she emphasized that the success of India’s bowling department is a team effort, with key contributions from Sree Charani and Prema Rawat, who collectively have taken six wickets.
As the senior spinner, Deepti has taken it upon herself to mentor her teammates, particularly praising Charani for her impressive talent and performances over the past year. “Charani is incredibly skilled and has proven her worth as a top bowler. Her ability to turn the ball is remarkable,” Deepti noted. She also commended Prema for her determination and drive to bring breakthroughs in games despite being less experienced.
“I have tried to support them as much as possible both on the field and during practice sessions, sharing my experience as a senior player,” Deepti said.
With the semi-finals already secured, India is eager to maintain their strong form and end the group stage on a high note.
