Women’s Asia Cup 2026: India Thump Pakistan by 7 Wickets, Finish Top of Group

India secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash in Dubai, chasing down the 56-run target with 68 balls to spare.

Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 in the 19th over after a dismal batting display on a spin-friendly surface. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed three wickets apiece, while Deepti Sharma picked up two. Shafali Verma took the opening wicket for India, with the remaining dismissal coming via a run-out. Pakistan’s 55 is their lowest-ever total in T20I cricket.

India’s chase was not entirely straightforward, as they lost Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana early to slip to 29/3. However, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma held their nerve and guided India to victory in just 8.4 overs.

Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 18, sealing the game in style with a four and a six, while Deepti finished unbeaten on 12 as India reached 57/3.

Shree Charani was named Player of the Match for her outstanding figures of 3/7.

The victory also confirmed India’s position at the top of the group, with Bangladesh likely to be their semifinal opponents at this stage. India had already secured their semifinal berth after a 137-run win over Hong Kong, following their victory over Thailand in the opening match.

Pakistan are also expected to qualify for the semifinals despite the defeat, provided they beat Hong Kong in their remaining group match.

The India-Pakistan encounter once again drew huge attention, with the rivalry among the most-watched sporting contests in the subcontinent.

Ahead of the match, India allrounder Deepti Sharma had played down any perceived advantage, saying the team’s previous wins over Pakistan gave them confidence but insisting that the focus remained on performing well.

“The whole team is performing well. If you look at the bowling unit or the batting unit, I think both are balanced. The one who has a good day tries to do better and take the game further. And those around her, they try to stay positive,” Deepti had said.