Dubai, September 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India off-spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma has played down the psychological advantage India may have over Pakistan ahead of their 2026 Women’s Asia Cup Group A clash on Saturday, saying her team is focused instead on maintaining its strong brand of cricket and staying “one step ahead.”
The match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will be the 18th T20I meeting between the arch-rivals. India have dominated the rivalry, winning 14 of their previous 17 encounters.
The teams last met at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in Birmingham, where India registered a 64-run victory. Smriti Mandhana scored 68, while Deepti Sharma claimed five wickets in the match.
“There is no such advantage. The only thing is that whatever we have won against them, whether it is the Asia Cup or any other matches, we are always one step ahead of them and that’s it. The more we can play good cricket as a team against them, that’s all we want,” Deepti told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
India, the seven-time Asia Cup champions, have already secured their place in the semifinals after winning their opening matches against Thailand and Hong Kong China. Despite their qualification, Deepti said the team remains focused on collective performances and carrying its winning momentum forward.
“The whole team is performing well. If you look at the bowling unit or the batting unit, if I talk about this game against Hong Kong China, I think both things were balanced,” she said.
She added that players who find themselves in a strong position during a match are encouraged by their teammates to build on their performances.
“Our team is also good and their bowlers are also good. We know that, but we focus more on the strengths we have. As I said, we want to play a good brand of cricket – that’s what we are focusing on,” Deepti said.
India’s top order has also been in impressive form, with Mandhana hitting a record-breaking century against Hong Kong China. The middle order, however, will be looking to make the most of its opportunities in the Pakistan clash.
Pakistan enter the game after beating Thailand but continue to face concerns over their top-order batting.
On the possibility of changes to India’s playing XI, Deepti said the decision rests with the team management.
“I can’t tell you what the lineup and all will be. That’s the call of the management. We just want to play good cricket. As a bowling and batting unit, the team has been compact with the way we played in the last two games and that’s the mindset we wish to maintain,” she said.
Deepti also praised young left-arm spinner N Sree Charani and leg-spin bowling all-rounder Prema Rawat, highlighting their ability to make an impact despite their relative lack of experience.
“She’s a very good talent. Charani is number one in the rankings. She has performed very well in the last one year. The way she turns the ball is unbelievable. It’s not easy to play for a batter,” she said.
Praising Rawat, Deepti added that the youngster has made the most of her opportunities and is always looking for breakthroughs.
“I help them as much as I can in the ground and in the nets. I help them as much as I can and share my experiences with them. Being a senior player, I help them as much as I can,” she said.
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