India have qualified for the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final, scheduled for Sunday, September 13 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Their opponent will be confirmed by the second semifinal between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, set for September 11.
India reached the final by defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semifinal. The side remained undefeated throughout the tournament, winning all four of their matches against Thailand, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Allrounder Deepti Sharma has been
central to India's campaign and made clear after the semifinal that the team's approach will not shift regardless of who they face.
"Actually, it depends on their result, but the Indian team knows about that. 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. 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 said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
How has Deepti Sharma performed in the Women's Asia Cup 2026?
Deepti has been the standout bowler of the tournament, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps at an average of 3.63 heading into the final. Her contributions have been consistent across every stage of the competition.
In the semifinal against Bangladesh, she returned figures of 3 wickets for 26 runs. She also contributed with the bat, scoring 13 off 6 balls against Bangladesh and 12 not out off 14 balls against Pakistan on September 5. Deepti reflected on her value as an all-rounder after the semifinal win.
"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." she said.
What is at stake for India in the Asia Cup 2026 final?
India have won seven of the nine previous Women's Asia Cup editions. A victory in Dubai on September 13 would give them a record-extending eighth title in the competition.
Sri Lanka are the defending champions, having claimed the 2024 Women's Asia Cup title. Should they overcome Pakistan in the second semifinal, the final would pit India against the reigning champions. Pakistan, whom India defeated in the group stage, remain the other possible opponent.
The stakes are significant for both potential finalists, but India enter the match having not dropped a single game in the tournament, a run of form that underlines their consistency across all conditions and opposition in this edition.
