Women’s Asia Cup: 'We Are Always One Step Ahead': Deepti Dismisses Advantage Over Pakistan

Deepti: India "One Step Ahead" — But No Psychological Edge Over Pakistan

Dubai · Ahead of Saturday's Women's Asia Cup Group A clash vs Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India's offspin all-rounder Deepti Sharma kept it real with the media and shot down the idea that history is on our side.

On the rivalry: Yes, the head-to-head screams India dominance — 14 wins from 17 T20Is, and a crushing 64-run romp over Pakistan at the 2026 T20 World Cup in Birmingham (Mandhana's 68 + a 5-wicket haul from me). But I don't buy the "psychological advantage" talk.

> "There is no such advantage... we are always one step ahead of them and that's it. The more we play good cricket as a team, that's all we want."

On form: We've already booked our semi spot and came through cleanly vs Thailand and Hong Kong China — both units looked balanced in the last game. The one who has a good day pushes on; the rest back her up with positive words. That's the culture we're protecting.

The medical/observed take: Top order is firing — Mandhana's record-breaking ton vs HK China is a great look. But from a performance standpoint, the middle order needs longer at the crease to settle. Pakistan still have top-order batting concerns to fix, despite beating Thailand — so this is a genuine toss-up, not a walkover.

On the XI: Selection's the management's call, not mine. The group's been compact in the last two games and that's the mindset we want to hold onto.

Bottom line: respect the record, but don't expect a free pass. We just want to play good cricket. 🏏

Source: IANS

Source: Cricketnmore