IND vs PAK: Having already secured a spot in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals, the Indian team is now aiming to conclude the league stage on a high note with a victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday. Whether in men’s or women’s cricket, India-Pakistan (IND vs PAK) clashes in multi-team tournaments generate immense excitement off the field, though the on-field contests have not been particularly competitive in recent times. India appears to hold the upper hand heading into the match at the Dubai International Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 8 PM IST.
This match will be more than just a formality for India. Following early exits in recent World Cup campaigns, the Indian team needs to address certain areas within the T20 format. To challenge the dominance of teams like Australia, India must develop a strong pool of power-hitters and fast bowlers. However, at the Asian level, there is no team that comes close to India. In the previous edition, India finished as runners-up after a close final against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Pakistan defeated Thailand in their opening match and remains in contention for a semi-final berth.
India will start as overwhelming favourites
Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma are in excellent form. Mandhana set several records with a memorable century against Hong Kong, signaling her batting prowess to the other teams in the tournament. Batting on Dubai’s pitches has not been easy; batters generally take about 10 balls to gauge the pitch’s pace and bounce before planning their innings accordingly. Mandhana and Shafali adopted this very strategy on Thursday night.
The roles of Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be crucial in the middle order. None of the three have managed to convert good starts into substantial innings. Pressure is mounting, particularly on Rawal, who bats at number three; having succeeded in ODIs, she has struggled to adapt to the demands of the T20 format. On the bowling front, the inclusion of Nandini Sharma has been a positive development for India. She has been performing to her potential while sharing the new-ball duties with lead pacer Kranti Gaud.
Pakistan needs to significantly improve its batting to challenge India. Batting frailties have long been a concern for the team. In the previous match against Thailand, Pakistan found itself in trouble after losing three wickets during the powerplay, although it eventually managed to successfully defend a modest target of 119 runs. The team remains heavily reliant on opening batter Muniba Ali and captain-cum-bowling all-rounder Fatima Sana. To challenge a strong side like India, Pakistan must move beyond this over-reliance.
Deepti said – the entire team is performing well
In the pre-match press conference, Deepti said, “Whatever matches we have won against Pakistan, be it the Asia Cup or any other match, we have always been one step ahead of them.” She added, “The entire team is performing well. Both the bowling and batting departments are good. A player having a good day tries to do better for the team and take the game forward.” Deepti is India’s top wicket-taker in this tournament.
Deepti did not provide any details on the team combination. She said, “It’s the management’s decision.” When asked about the Pakistan team, Deepti said, “Our team is good and their bowlers are also good. We will focus more on our strengths. We just want to play good cricket.”
Deepti praised left-arm spinner Shree Charani and leg-spinner Prema Rawat. She said, “Charani is a very good talent. She is ranked No. 1. She has performed very well over the past year. The way she turns the ball is amazing. It is not easy for any batsman to play against her.” Regarding Prema, she said, “It’s the same with Prema. She hasn’t played many matches. But whenever she gets a chance to bowl, she’s always a step ahead.” Charani has taken four wickets in two matches, while Prema has taken two wickets in two matches
India women vs Pakistan women probable XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh (WK), Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Nandni Sharma, Shree Charani, Kranti Goud
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (WK), Shawaal Zulfiqar, Gul Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana (C), Umm-e-Hani, Eyman Fatima, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
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