Photo of Smriti Mandhana, Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India
India take on Pakistan in Dubai on Friday, with the two sides meeting in the 9th match of Group A at the Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
India have sealed their semi-final berth already, winning both group games against Thailand and Hong Kong, while Pakistan need a win to stay alive in the tournament.
India’s dominance in the rivalry is stark, with 14 wins from 17 T20I meetings and a 6-1 record specifically in T20 Asia Cup fixtures.
Smriti Mandhana enters the match in excellent touch, having scored 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong in the previous game.
The pitch in Dubai is expected to slow down through the innings, giving spinners an edge and rewarding batters who build their innings patiently.
India hold a commanding head-to-head record in the rivalry, having won 14 of 17 T20I meetings against Pakistan, including a 6-1 record in T20 Asia Cup fixtures specifically.
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.
Photo of Smriti Mandhana, Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India
