Pakistan allrounder Ayesha Zafar has attempted to play down the enormous attention surrounding Saturday’s India Pakistan clash at the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, insisting that her side is treating the encounter like any other fixture despite the rivalry between the two teams. The two sides are scheduled to meet at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 5. India have already secured their place in the semifinals after winning both of their opening matches, while Pakistan still need another victory to strengthen their qualification chances from Group A.
India enter the game in impressive form after their 137 run demolition of Hong Kong. The PCB has confirmed that Pakistan’s remaining Group A fixtures are against India on September 5 and Hong Kong on September 7, with the semifinals scheduled for September 10 and 11 and the final on September 13
Despite the intensity traditionally associated with an India Pakistan contest, Ayesha said Pakistan are determined to approach the match without allowing the occasion to overwhelm them. We taking one match at a time,” she said. “It is our second match [having beaten Thailand in their first], so we are hoping to put up a good show and eventually win it,” she added.
“Yes, it is India vs Pakistan, but this is just another match. Ayesha’s comments come with India already through to the last four, meaning the result does not carry the same qualification significance for the Harmanpreet Kaur led side. Pakistan, however, still have Hong Kong to face after the India fixture and need one more win to put themselves in a strong position for the semifinals. Ayesha acknowledged that Pakistan cannot afford to concentrate on only one area of their game against a strong Indian side. The team has instead worked across batting, bowling and fielding in preparation for the contest. Dubai has offered assistance to spinners during the tournament, and Ayesha believes Pakistan have enough quality in that department to challenge India’s batting lineup. Pakistan’s official squad for the Asia Cup includes Ayesha Zafar, with Fatima Sana leading the side.
