As the Women’s Asia Cup approaches its final league-stage match, India is set to face off against their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, on Saturday. Senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma has voiced her confidence in the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad, emphasizing their recent success against their neighbors. Having already secured a spot in the semifinals with convincing wins over Thailand and Hong Kong, India currently sits at the top of Group A, entering the upcoming match as the clear favorites.
In a pre-match press conference held on Friday, Deepti reflected on India’s strong historical performance against Pakistan, asserting that the team intends to maintain its competitive edge. "Look, there is no advantage as such. The only thing is that whatever we have won against them (Pakistan), whether it is the Asia Cup or any other matches, we are always one step ahead of them. And that’s it,” she stated, highlighting the psychological advantage that comes with their past successes.
Deepti also emphasized that the team’s focus would remain on their own strengths rather than being distracted by Pakistan’s capabilities. She remarked, “The whole team is performing well. If you look at the bowling unit or the batting unit, I think both things are balanced. The one who has a good day, she tries to do better and take the game further.” This balanced approach has been a key factor in India’s success thus far in the tournament.
When addressing the challenge posed by Pakistan’s bowling attack, Deepti acknowledged their skills but reiterated that India would adhere to their game plan. “Our team is also good and their bowlers are also good. We know that. But we focus more on the strengths we have. And as I said, we want to play a good brand of cricket. That’s what we are focusing on,” she explained. This commitment to playing their own game will be crucial as they prepare for the high-stakes encounter.
Historically, India has maintained a significant advantage in their rivalry with Pakistan in women’s T20 internationals, winning 14 out of 17 encounters. The recent matches have further solidified this dominance, with India defeating Pakistan by 64 runs in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. Additionally, India has triumphed in their last two meetings, including a victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup. The last time Pakistan managed to secure a win against India was during the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup, where they claimed a narrow 13-run victory.
As the teams prepare to clash once again, the stakes are high for both sides. For India, continuing their winning streak against Pakistan will not only bolster their confidence heading into the semifinals but also serve as a testament to their growth and consistency in women’s cricket. For Pakistan, the match presents an opportunity to turn the tide and regain momentum in their rivalry.
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