“We are always one step ahead of them,” Deepti Sharma warns Pakistan ahead of Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash

The high-stake India versus Pakistan clash in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place on Saturday (September 5) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian team has already qualified for the semi-final after two commanding group-stage wins—a 94-run victory against Thailand and a 137-run win over Hong Kong. A win over the arch-rivals will ensure they finish at the top of Group A with a perfect record.

On the other hand, Pakistan won their campaign opener against Thailand by 35 runs but still need to secure a place in the semi-final.

Speaking to media on the eve of the game, veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma stated that India have always been one step ahead of Pakistan in their recent encounters and would look to carry on the dominance this time around as well.

"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," Deepti told reporters.

"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. And those around her, they try to stay positive things so that they step in more in their game," she added.

Asked about the Pakistan team, Deepti said, "Look, 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.

"We just want to play good cricket. As a bowling unit, as a batting unit, the team should be as compact as we are playing in two games. That's the mindset."

Deepti Sharma refrained from sharing details about the team combination, saying: "That's the call of the management."

She was effusive in praise for left-arm spinner Shree Charani and leg-spinner Prema Rawat. "Charani is a very good talent. He is number one in the rankings. She has performed very well in the last year. The way she turns the ball, unbelievable. It's not easy to play for a batter.

"It's the same with Prema. She has not played so many matches. But whenever she gets a chance to bowl, she is always one step ahead. It's like 'I have to find breakthroughs for the team'."

Charani has claimed four wickets from two matches while Prema has two scalps from two games. As a senior player, Deepti has tried to help the duo as much as possible.

"I have tried to help them as much as I can in the ground and in the nets, and share my experience with them. Being a senior player, I help them as much as I can."