Deepti Sharma: India won’t take any Women’s Asia Cup final opponent lightly
Star all-rounder Deepti Sharma says India remains unbothered by whether Pakistan or Sri Lanka reaches the Women's Asia Cup final, focusing on collective execution.
India's women’s cricket team remains completely unconcerned about whether Pakistan or defending champions Sri Lanka will emerge from the second semi-final to face them in the title clash, with star all-rounder Deepti Sharma emphasising that no opponent will be taken lightly ahead of the championship fixture on Sunday, 13 September 2026.
According to primary reporting from ANI, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad secured their place in the final for the sixth consecutive edition after overcoming Bangladesh by 40 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 10 September 2026. India posted 149 for 6, anchored by Shafali Verma's brisk 64 off 40 balls despite being dropped four times. In response, Bangladesh were restricted to 109 for 7 as Deepti tore through the middle order with figures of 3 for 26.
Media additions
Speaking at a post-match press conference in Dubai, Deepti brushed off external speculation regarding a high-profile showdown against Pakistan, whom India previously bowled out for just 55 in the group stage.
"Actually, it depends on their result, but the Indian team is knowing about that. The team doesn’t take any team lightly. Doesn’t matter, like maybe Sri Lanka, Pakistan, whoever comes in the final. We always think as a team how we can do better in each and every game. As a collective team performance, how we can do better"
Deepti Sharma, Indian all-rounder, via The News Mill and Cricinfo
As reported by Hindustan Times, India's preparations involved a team viewing session of the second knockout fixture to fine-tune their strategy. SportsTak noted that the all-rounder's direct responses shrugged off external rivalry narratives, keeping the focus squarely on internal execution. Meanwhile, Suaragarut highlighted comments from the other camp as Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed confidence in her bowling unit, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana emphasised strike rotation and managing nerves during the knockout encounter.
A closer look at the key performances and tournament context reveals the scope of India's campaign:
| Match Phase / Detail | Indian Contributor | Match Statistics / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Final vs Bangladesh | Shafali Verma | 64 runs off 40 balls (survived four dropped catches) |
| Semi-Final Bowling | Deepti Sharma | 3 wickets for 26 runs |
| Tournament Wickets Leader | Deepti Sharma | 11 total scalps heading into the final |
| Group Stage vs Pakistan | India Team | Bowled Pakistan out for 55, chased target with 68 balls remaining |
Despite remaining undefeated through their matches against Thailand, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, India's campaign has faced mild scrutiny over fielding lapses. The team put down four catches against Bangladesh, though the errors ultimately had no bearing on the result. Mathrubhumi English reported that Deepti defended the training standards when asked about the fielding miscues.
"As a team in fielding, we have been doing good [work in training]. We are doing practice sessions taking a number of catches as well as fielding also"
Deepti Sharma, Indian all-rounder, via Mathrubhumi English
Beyond her primary discipline, Deepti has continually underlined her value with the bat. Starting her journey as a dedicated all-rounder, she added a quick, unbeaten 13 from six deliveries against Bangladesh, following a crucial 12 not out against Pakistan. CricTracker noted that these contributions reinforce her confidence in both departments.
As Social News XYZ pointed out, the squad convened to assess their final opponent following Friday's match.
What happens next: The second semi-final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka took place on Friday, 11 September 2026, determining which side advanced to challenge India. The winner meets India in the grand finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 13 September 2026, where India will chase a record-extending eighth continental crown.
