Deepti Sharma has been one of India’s main performers with the ball during their unbeaten Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign. She took another three wickets in the semi-final against Bangladesh, helping India win by 40 runs and reach the Final. Deepti has taken wickets in every match so far, showing her value throughout the tournament. Her latest spell took her total to 11 wickets, making her the leading wicket-taker in the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup.
Deepti took 3/0 against Thailand, 3/9 against Hong Kong, China, 2/5 against Pakistan and 3/26 against Bangladesh. These performances have taken her to 11 wickets in the tournament and made her the top wicket-taker. She is also the all-time leading wicket-taker in the Women’s Asia Cup, with 37 scalps. Against Bangladesh, she also made 13 from six balls, hitting one four and one six, as India posted a competitive total.
“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 starting only,” Deepti 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.” Her all-round role continues to give India another option when the team needs contributions with both bat and ball.
India had also produced a strong bowling effort against Pakistan in the group stage, dismissing them for just 55. Deepti took 2/5 in that match before India chased the target with 68 balls to spare. Pakistan will now play defending champions Sri Lanka in the second semi-final, while India wait to find out their opponents for the title clash. Deepti said the team will watch that game together before preparing for 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. India have reached the Final in every edition of the Women’s Asia Cup they have played and have won seven titles. They have lost the Final twice, with their second defeat coming against Sri Lanka in the 2024 edition. The team will now aim to finish another unbeaten campaign with the trophy.
Deepti said India will not change their approach based on the team they meet in the Final. Whether Sri Lanka or Pakistan qualify, India will focus on improving together and playing as a unit. “(This) 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. As a collective team performance, how can we do better.” Her message shows India’s focus on their own performance.
The semi-final win was not perfect, however, as India dropped four catches against Bangladesh. Fielding is one area the team will want to improve before the Final. Deepti accepted that missed chances can happen during a game, while also pointing to the work being done in training. She made it clear that India remains confident in all three departments as they prepare for the final match of the tournament.
“I think that it will be a day here or a day there, it happens. But we are always up for the finals,” she said. India now have an unbeaten campaign behind them and another Final secured. Deepti’s consistent bowling has been a major part of that run, while her useful contribution with the bat against Bangladesh showed her value as an all-rounder.
With the title match coming on Sunday, September 13, India will look to complete the job and reclaim the Women’s Asia Cup and end the tournament on a high note in front of fans. With the final ahead, India will now focus on completing their campaign in the same confident way.
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