India's women's cricket team reached the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final after defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in Dubai on Thursday (September 10), with all-rounder Deepti Sharma stating the squad remains focused on their own process rather than their opponent for the title clash.
The winner of Friday’s semifinal between defending champions Sri Lanka and Pakistan will face India on Sunday (September 13).
Deepti acknowledged that the Women in Blue will review the second semifinal match to finalize their strategies.
"After this game, we'll sit together tomorrow, and we will see tomorrow's game [Pakistan vs Sri Lanka], which will help us make strategies for the final," Deepti told reporters.
“Actually, it depends on their result, but the Indian team knows about that [when she was asked who she thinks they could meet in the final]. 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 about how we can do better in each and every game," she added.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side remained undefeated so far in the tournament, winning all four of their matches against Thailand, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Deepti has been central to India's campaign, making key contributions in each of the win.
Reflecting on her value as an all-rounder, she remarked: "Actually, when I started my cricket journey, [it was] as an allrounder, so it [being able to contribute in two departments] always helped from the start. Whenever I get an opportunity to bat, I always trust that I can also contribute to batting. So I'm glad [about the] few balls I got to hit today. It always gives me confidence. Either bowling first or batting first doesn't matter to me, but I always contribute as an allrounder for the team."
India have won seven of the nine previous Women's Asia Cup editions. A victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday would give them a record-extending eighth title in the competition.
Sri Lanka clinched the last Women's Asia Cup title in 2024. Should they win the second semifinal, the final would pit India against the defending champions. Pakistan, whom India thrashed in the group stage, remain the other possible opponent.
