'We are always one step ahead of them...': Deepti ahead of clash against PAK

The stage is set for the much-awaited clash of the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026. Team India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.

Ahead of the match, Team India's star all-rounder Deepti Sharma has expressed confidence and said that the "Women in Blue" are always one step ahead of Pakistan.

"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," she said in the pre-match press conference.

She then said that both the batting and bowling departments of Team India are balanced.

"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," said Sharma.

In the ongoing Women's T20 Asia Cup, Team India is in the top position in the points table of Group A. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side has a net run rate (NRR) of +5.775 and four points. On the other hand, Pakistan is placed in the second position with a net run rate (NRR) of +1.750 and two points.

The semi-finals of the continental event are scheduled to be played on September 10 and 11. The title clash will be played on September 13.

Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026, IND W vs PAK W: Full squads

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Bharti Fulmali, Renuka Singh, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Nandani Sharma, Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Gunlan Kamalini (WK), Prema Rawat.

Pakistan: Ayesha Zafar, Muneeba Ali (WK), Nashra Sandhu, Waheeda Akhtar, Fatima Sana (C), Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal, Umme Hani, Sadaf Shams, Gull Feroza (WK), Momina Riasat, Eyman Fatima, Saira Jabeen, Shawal Zulfiqar, Eman Naseer.

(With PTI Inputs)