India all-rounder Deepti Sharma has expressed her confidence in the balanced composition of the Indian team ahead of their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking before the fixture, Sharma remarked on the team’s performance across both batting and bowling, stating, “The whole team is performing well. If you look at the bowling unit or the batting unit, based on today’s game, I think both aspects are balanced,” as quoted by the ICC website.
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India has begun their Asia Cup campaign strongly, remaining unbeaten in two matches. The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup champions secured convincing wins over Thailand and Hong Kong, China, by margins of 94 and 137 runs respectively, leading Group A. During the victory over Hong Kong, China, Smriti Mandhana set several women’s cricket records.
Pakistan recorded a 35-run victory over Thailand
Meanwhile, Pakistan recorded a 35-run victory over Thailand in their only fixture so far, with notable performances from Muneeba Ali, who scored 54 runs off 52 balls, and bowlers Sadia Iqbal (3/11) and Tuba Hassan (2/17).
Sharma also acknowledged the strength of Pakistan’s bowling attack, particularly spinners Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal, who are ranked seventh and ninth respectively in the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings. She added, “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.”
Regarding the head-to-head record between India and Pakistan, Sharma noted India’s historical advantage but emphasised the need to concentrate on performance. “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,” she said. India currently hold a 14-3 lead over Pakistan in Women’s T20Is.
Sharma also highlighted the emergence of young talent
Sharma also highlighted the emergence of young talent within the Indian squad, particularly praising Women’s T20I top-ranked bowler 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,” she stated.
Charani made her India debut against England in April 2025 and has since taken 73 wickets in 48 matches, establishing herself as a key performer, including at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Additionally, Sharma commended 24-year-old Prema Rawat for making the most of her limited opportunities and being prepared to contribute when selected. “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,” Sharma said.
Rawat debuted against South Africa during the Women’s T20 World Cup after impressing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). She represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their tournament-winning 2026 campaign and has taken two wickets in three matches for India so far.
Source: thenewsmill.com
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