India all-rounder Deepti Sharma struck a note of caution on the eve of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 Final, saying the team has no intention of underestimating Sri Lanka as the two sides meet at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 13 September. This is the third consecutive Asia Cup final between the two nations — with both teams holding one title each — making the stakes sharply personal.

Deepti's Pre-Final Message

'We all know they have a good side and they have good youngsters also coming up in the Asia Cup. So, it's a good team, and whenever we play against them, we have good matches against them,' Deepti told broadcasters ahead of the final.

The all-rounder added that familiarity breeds respect rather than complacency: 'Having played against them in the last few matches, we remember they are a good side. So, obviously, we'll not take any team lightly, and obviously Sri Lanka. But we always focus on ourselves, how we can do better things, and we'll approach the same thing as we have done before in this Asia Cup.'

Plans in Place, But Cards Kept Close

When pressed on India's tactical blueprint for the final, Deepti acknowledged that preparations are well advanced — while declining to reveal specifics. 'I can't share it here, obviously. But yeah, we planned something for the finals, and we watched that game (semifinal against Pakistan) as well,' she said.

Notably, India have factored in conditions at the Dubai venue, having played three to four games there before the final. Deepti highlighted the team's familiarity with the surface as a key advantage heading into the decider.

Why All 40 Overs Will Decide the Final

With middle-overs control proving critical throughout the tournament — and only India consistently posting imposing totals — Deepti pushed back against the idea that any single phase of play dominates. 'Actually, I think all 40 overs decide the game because sometimes in the powerplay, the ball comes really good, but sometimes it doesn't. But we always have to be ready,' she said.

This comes amid a broader pattern in the tournament where totals have remained modest for most sides, placing a premium on disciplined bowling and smart batting through all phases.

Deepti's Stellar Tournament — 11 Wickets and Counting

Deepti enters the final as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the Women's Asia Cup 2026, having claimed 11 wickets across the tournament. She shares that distinction with Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, setting up a compelling personal duel at the top of the bowling charts when the two sides face off.

Her form with the ball has been one of India's most consistent narratives this tournament, and her ability to pick up wickets in the crucial middle overs will be central to India's plans in the final.

Team News: One Change for India

India won the toss and opted to bat first. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed a single change to the playing XI, with G Kamalini coming in to replace Pratika Rawal for the final.

With the series locked at one title apiece and history on the line, Sunday's final promises to be a tightly contested battle between two sides who know each other well — and respect each other deeply.