'Always one step ahead': Deepti Sharma talks up India’s edge over Pakistan ahead of Asia Cup clash

India are set to renew their rivalry with Pakistan in their final league-stage match of the Women's Asia Cup on Saturday, with senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma confident that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side can maintain its recent dominance over its neighbours.

India have already secured their place in the semifinals after registering convincing victories over Thailand and Hong Kong. They currently sit at the top of Group A and will enter the Pakistan clash as clear favourites.

Deepti highlights India's recent dominance

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, Deepti pointed to India's strong record against Pakistan and said the team would aim to maintain that edge.

"Look, there is no advantage as such. The only thing is that whatever we have won against them (Pakistan), whether it is the Asia Cup or any other matches, we are always one step ahead of them. And that's it," Deepti said.

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India focused on their own strengths

Deepti stressed that India would not get distracted by Pakistan's strengths and instead concentrate on maintaining their own balanced approach.

"The whole team is performing well. If you look at the bowling unit or the batting unit, I think both things are balanced. The one who has a good day, she tries to do better and take the game further. And those around her, they try to stay positive things so that they step in more in their game," she said.

Asked about Pakistan's bowling attack, Deepti acknowledged the threat but insisted India would stick to their plans.

"Our team is also good and their bowlers are also good. We know that. But we focus more on the strengths we have. And as I said, we want to play a good brand of cricket. That's what we are focusing on. We just want to play good cricket. As a bowling unit, as a batting unit, the team should be as compact as we are playing in two games. That's the mindset," she added.

India hold clear head-to-head advantage

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