Deepti wary of Pakistan challenge in Asia Cup

India have had a brilliant Asia Cup 2026 campaign so far, with several stars in their squad producing incredible performances.

The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup champions are unbeaten in two outings against Thailand and Hong Kong, China, winning by 94 and 137 runs respectively, to put them at the top of Group A. The latter fixture saw Smriti Mandhana break a host of records in the women’s game.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have won their only fixture at the Asia Cup, beating Thailand by 35 runs. Muneeba Ali was in fine touch as she scored 54 off 52 balls and anchored the batting effort. Sadia Iqbal (3/11) and Tuba Hassan (2/17) were the pick of the bowlers.

Ahead of India's high-profile Asia Cup encounter with Pakistan, all-rounder Deepti Sharma acknowledged the balance within the camp as she addressed the media in the pre-match press conference.

"The whole team is performing well," Deepti said.

"If you look at the bowling unit or the batting unit, based on today's game, I think both aspects are balanced."

Deepti also acknowledged the prowess of Pakistan's bowling attack, especially their spinners Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal who sit at the seventh and ninth spots respectively in the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings.

"Our team is good, and their (Pakistan) bowlers are also good. But we also know that, but we keep our focus on our strengths. We want to play a good brand of cricket, and that's where our focus lies."

When asked about the head-to-head record between India and Pakistan, Deepti acknowledged that while India possessed a historical advantage, their aim was to follow the process.

 "Wherever we have won against them, whether it is the Asia Cup or whatever matches we have played, we are always one step ahead of them. It all boils down to how much good cricket we can play as a team against them. That's what we would wish for."

The current record between India and Pakistan in Women’s T20Is stands at 14-3 in India’s favour.

The 29-year-old also spoke about the rising stars in the Indian setup, highlighting number one ranked bowler in Women’s T20Is, Sree Charani.

“Charani is a very good talent. She is number one in the rankings. She has performed very well in the last year. And the way she turns the ball, unbelievable. It's not easy to play for a batter."

The 22-year-old tweaker made her debut for India in April 2025 against England and has grown from strength to strength in the past 12 months. She has amassed 73 wickets in 48 matches and has been one of India's top performers, shining at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year.

She was also complimentary on 24-year-old Prema Rawat, praising her approach of making the best of the limited opportunities she has had.

"Same with Prema (Rawat). She has hardly played in so many matches, but whenever she gets a chance to bowl, she is always ready to step up. She is always ready to give breakthroughs to the team. I help her as much as I can, on the ground or in the nets. I share my experience with her whenever I can."

Rawat made her debut for India in their Women's T20 World Cup fixture against South Africa, off the back of impressive performances in the Women's Premier League (WPL). She represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was a part of the side that won the tournament in 2026. She currently has two wickets in three matches for her country.

Prema Rawat in action for India against South Africa at ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2026 // Getty Images //

India take on Pakistan in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash on September 5th, tomorrow at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with both sides eager to continue their strong recent form in the tournament.