India always one step ahead of Pakistan: Deepti Sharma ahead of Women’s Asia Cup match

India will enter their Women’s Asia Cup clash against Pakistan in Dubai on Saturday with momentum, qualification and recent history on their side, but Deepti Sharma has read the match bluntly. The Indian all-rounder said her team’s lead over Pakistan in recent encounters was down to “always being one step ahead” and sticking to their plans.

That record is hard to miss. India are unbeaten against Pakistan in women’s ODIs, while their last T20I defeat to them came in the Women’s Asia Cup in October 2022. Pakistan have beaten India only three times in 17 matches. When the sides met in the 2026 FIFA T20 World Cup, India won comfortably Deepti produces one of the game’s defining charms as she took five wickets for 10 runs in four overs.

Speaking ahead of the Group A match, Deepti said that India’s recent success against Pakistan did not come from any psychological advantage but rather execution.

“Look, there is no advantage as such. The only thing is that whatever we have won against them (Pakistan), be it the Asia Cup or any other matches, we are always one step ahead of them. And that’s it,” Deepti said at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by PTI.

“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 that’s having a good day is trying to do better and take the game forward. And those around her are trying to stay positive to get more into their game.” India have already secured their place in the semi-finals and sit at the top of the table after convincing wins over Thailand and Hong Kong, leaving them with a lot of pressure heading into the match against Pakistan.

Asked specifically about Pakistan, Deepti did not offer much opposition analysis. Instead, it focused back on India’s own methods.

“Look, our team is also good and their bowlers are also good. We know that. But we are more focused on the strengths that we have. And like I said, we want to play a good brand of cricket. That is what we are focusing on.”

“We just want to play good cricket. As a bowling unit, as a batting unit, the team should be as compact as we play in two matches. That’s the mindset,” Deepti said.

HEAD OF SPIN DEPARTMENT

Deepti has been one of the most effective bowlers in the tournament so far, taking six wickets at an average of 1.5 in the two matches. However, India’s efforts were not limited to it alone. Sree Charani and Prema Rawat backed her up with six wickets between them, giving India control and depth through the middle overs.

Being the main helicopter in the side, Deepti said she tried to deliver as much as possible. She was particularly strong in her praise for Charani.

“Charani is a very good talent. She is number one in the rankings. She has performed very well in the last year. The way she spins the ball is unbelievable. It is not an easy batsman to play.

“It’s the same with Prema. She hasn’t played that many matches. But whenever she gets a chance to bowl, she’s always one step ahead. It’s like ‘I have to find a breakthrough for the team’.”

“I tried to help them as much as I could on the ground and in the nets and share my experience with them. As a senior player, I help them as much as I can.”

India have already advanced to the semi-finals and will be looking to finish the group stage on a high and continue their great form.

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Published on:

04 Sep 2026 18:31 IST