Women’s Asia Cup: ‘Opponent Doesn’t Matter,’ Says Deepti Sharma Ahead of Sunday’s Final

India allrounder Deepti Sharma has said the team is not concerned about whether Pakistan or Sri Lanka emerge as their opponents in the Women’s Asia Cup final on Sunday, with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side maintaining its focus on preparation and execution rather than the identity of the team standing in its way. India have already secured their place in the title clash and are now waiting for the result of the second semifinal between defending champions Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The semifinal is scheduled to be played later on Friday in Dubai, with the winner earning the right to face India in Sunday’s final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With two familiar opponents still in contention, Deepti stressed that India’s approach would remain unchanged regardless of who comes through the second semifinal. The allrounder’s comments underline the team’s emphasis on following its process and maintaining consistency rather than becoming distracted by discussions over the possible final matchup. India’s preparations, therefore, will continue with the same focus while the second semifinal determines the opposition.

Deepti made it clear that India do not intend to take either Pakistan or Sri Lanka lightly. “Pakistan or Sri Lanka, India don’t take any team lightly,” she said, reflecting the team’s approach towards the final and its opposition. The statement also highlights the importance India are placing on maintaining their own standards instead of allowing the result of the second semifinal to influence their mindset. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka present a different challenge, but India’s preparation will remain centred on their own game plan. Rather than waiting anxiously to discover their opponent, the Indian team can concentrate on the areas that have taken them into the final and prepare for another high-pressure contest. Deepti’s remarks suggest that the players are comfortable with either possibility and are determined to approach the final with the same level of seriousness. For India, the immediate priority is therefore not identifying which team they would prefer to face, but ensuring that they are ready for whichever side qualifies from the second semifinal.

The second semifinal between Sri Lanka and Pakistan carries particular significance because Sri Lanka are the defending champions of the Women’s Asia Cup. Their presence in the last-four stage gives them an opportunity to continue their title defence, while Pakistan will be seeking to overcome them and secure a place in the final. The winner will have little time to dwell on the semifinal result before turning attention towards Sunday’s title clash against India. The outcome will also complete the final lineup of the tournament and determine the opponent India must prepare to face at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Until then, the Indian camp remains in a waiting phase, but Deepti’s comments indicate that uncertainty over the opposition is not affecting the team’s approach. India have no intention of changing their attitude based on whether Sri Lanka, the defending champions, or Pakistan book the remaining final berth. The emphasis remains on preparation, discipline and execution.

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For India, reaching the final provides an opportunity to compete for the Women’s Asia Cup title, but the team’s focus now shifts towards ensuring that it is ready for the decisive contest. Deepti’s process-driven outlook reflects an approach in which the opposition is respected without becoming the central focus of preparation. The Indian team knows that the final will require another strong performance, regardless of which side wins the second semifinal. By refusing to look beyond the immediate task, the players can concentrate on their own plans and the areas they need to execute effectively. Deepti’s comments also send a clear message that India will not underestimate either contender. Pakistan and Sri Lanka remain the two possibilities, and India are prepared to face either one. The result of the semifinal will provide the final piece of information required for India’s match preparations, but it is unlikely to change the team’s broader approach heading into Sunday’s contest.

The final is set to be played on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with India awaiting the conclusion of Friday’s second semifinal to discover their opponent. Sri Lanka will enter that contest as the defending champions, while Pakistan will be looking to claim the opportunity to challenge India for the trophy. For Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates, the immediate objective is to stay focused while the semifinal takes place and then turn their attention towards the final opponent once it is confirmed. Deepti’s message is that the identity of that opponent will not alter India’s level of preparation or respect for the challenge. Whether it is Pakistan or Sri Lanka, India intend to approach the final with the same seriousness and commitment. With the title now within reach, the Indian team’s process-driven approach will be tested once more in what promises to be a significant contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The semifinal result will determine the opponent, but India’s mindset, according to Deepti, will remain unchanged.

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