Pakistan Sent Big Message By Deepti Sharma Ahead of Women's Asia Cup Clash: 'One Step Ahead'

By Suresh

*Ek taan pe shuru, ek nishane ki ore...* Namaste dosto. There is a rhythm to every rivalry, a tempo that builds with each encounter. And the India-Pakistan women's clash this Saturday carries exactly that weight. **The Setup** Deepti Sharma, our senior allrounder, spoke candidly at the prematch conference. India sit atop Group A, two commanding wins under their belt against Thailand and Hong Kong, with a game in hand. They've already reached the semifinals. Against Pakistan, they're clear favourites—not by arrogance, but by a pattern. "We are always one step ahead of them," she said. Whether Asia Cup or any other fixture, that gap has held. Simple. That's the whole story for her. **The Balance** What strikes me is the equilibrium she describes. Both bat and bowl performing, compact and disciplined across two games. She's taken six wickets herself—a bowler who finds her breakthroughs like a musician finding the right *raag* at the right moment. On team combination, she defers to the management. Wise. Not every note is yours to play. **Young Wings** She spoke warmly of the spinners—Shree Charani, ranked number one, turning the ball beautifully, four wickets already; and Prema Rawat, two scalps, always one step ahead in search of that breakthrough. Deepti, as a senior, lending them her experience in the nets and on the field. That's the guru-shishya spirit, passed down. Saturday, the whole team plays to win. One step ahead. Let's see the rhythm hold. *Jai Hind.* Source: NDTV Sports