Women’s Asia Cup: India, semis already sealed, face Pakistan

India, already through to the semi-finals, face Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026.

India secured their last-four spot with wins over Thailand and Hong Kong in their opening two games, while Pakistan must win this fixture to remain in contention.

The head-to-head numbers favour India heavily, with 14 wins in 17 T20I meetings against Pakistan and a 6-1 record in T20 Asia Cup matches.

Opener Smriti Mandhana is in fine touch heading into the match, having struck 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong.

Dubai’s pitch is expected to slow as the game wears on, making spin a key factor and rewarding batters who play patiently early on.

The sides last met at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, where India won by 64 runs.

Smriti Mandhana arrives in outstanding form, having scored 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong in India’s previous group match.

Spinner Deepti Sharma took three for nine against Hong Kong and has previously claimed figures of 5-10 against Pakistan at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu has a strong record against India specifically, with six wickets in seven matches against them at an economy of 5.47.

The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to play slowly, favouring spin bowling and rewarding batters who are patient in the early overs.

The match is being played as the 9th fixture of Group A at the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, with the winner strengthening their position ahead of the knockout stage.

India have already sealed a semi-final berth after two wins from two games, having beaten Thailand and Hong Kong in their opening fixtures.

Pakistan need victory in this match to keep their own last-four hopes alive, after opening the tournament with a dominant win over Thailand.

Photo of Smriti Mandhana, Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India