India are through to another Women’s T20 Asia Cup final, but they are not wasting time worrying about who they will face for the title.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma said India will prepare for whoever emerges from the second semifinal between Pakistan and defending champions Sri Lanka, insisting the team does not believe in taking any opponent lightly.
India booked their place in the final for the sixth time in six editions after beating Bangladesh by 40 runs on Thursday. With Pakistan and Sri Lanka still battling for the other spot, Deepti said the Indian camp would simply watch the contest and prepare accordingly.
“It depends on their result, but the Indian team is knowing about that,” Deepti said after the semifinal, according to Cricinfo.
“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 how we can do better in each and every game.”
India have already had a comfortable outing against Pakistan in the tournament, bowling them out for just 55 before chasing down the target with 68 balls to spare. That leaves the door open for another India-Pakistan final, although Sri Lanka will be looking to spoil that possibility and defend their title.
Deepti said India would use the other semifinal as a scouting opportunity before turning their attention fully towards the final.
“After this game, we’ll sit together tomorrow, and we will see tomorrow’s game. That will help us to do more strategy towards the finals,” she said.
Deepti Sharma delivers again as India march into final
Deepti was once again central to India’s victory over Bangladesh, taking 3/26 as the opposition finished on 109/7 after India posted 149/6.
Shafali Verma provided the attacking spark with a 40-ball 64, surviving four dropped catches along the way. Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with an unbeaten 24, Richa Ghosh struck 21 off 16 balls and Deepti added a brisk 13 not out from just six deliveries.
Bangladesh made a steady start in the chase before India’s spinners took control. Deepti struck in her first over and returned later to remove Sobhana Mostary and Sharmin Akter, helping trigger a middle-order collapse.
With 11 wickets, Deepti is now the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
The all-rounder also stressed that her contribution with the bat remains an important part of her game.
“When I started my cricket journey, [it was] as an all-rounder, so it always helped from the starting only,” she said.
“Whenever I get an opportunity in batting, I always trust that I can contribute in batting also. So I’m glad [about the] few balls I got to hit today. It always gives me confidence.”
Fielding remains India’s one area to tighten
India may be unbeaten and heading into another final, but their fielding continues to provide a small blemish on an otherwise strong campaign.
The team dropped four catches against Bangladesh, although the lapses did not ultimately cost them the match.
Deepti acknowledged the issue and backed the team’s work in training as India prepare for the title clash.
“As a team in fielding, we have been doing good [work in training]. We are doing practice sessions taking a number of catches as well as fielding also,” she said.
For India, the message is simple: Pakistan or Sri Lanka, it does not matter. The preparation stays the same, and the target remains the Asia Cup trophy.