Dubai International Cricket Stadium: India all-rounder Deepti Sharma heaped praise on the record 129-run stand between openers Shafali Verma and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana for providing the platform for the Women in Blue to post a strong total of 183/5 in the Asia Cup 2026 final against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Deepti highlighted that the Indian team had hoped to get to 180-190, as the pitch in Dubai was better to bat on in the final. "We were looking for 180 or 190, because it's a good wicket to bat on. Today it's a slightly better pitch, and credit goes to both the openers, how they played in the first six overs, and how they accelerated in the first 10 overs. It's good to see," Deepti told broadcasters after the first innings.
Deepti highlighted that the first few overs in the second innings will be crucial and India will want a few wickets in the powerplay to stake their claim to defend the target. "It's quite important. We are looking for a few wickets in the early stage. That's going to (give) the momentum," she said, referring to how crucial the powerplay would be for India.
